During the AIDS crisis, did people understand or even know how it was transmitted? Was it thought of a “contagious cancer?” Who was putting out health information about AIDS out, and how long did it take scientists to understand how it spread?

by nueoritic-parents

Also, why did Reagan deny the crisis was even happening? Was it so he could pretend he wasn’t holding back resources that could save lives? It saddens me to type this, but wouldn’t the majority of Americans be fine with withholding federal aid from “sinners?”

Also, since it was seen for a while as a “homosexual diseases, why would Reagan need to justify his inaction if only “the gays” got sick?

voyeur324

/u/cephalopodie knows a lot about the history of HIV/AIDS and has previously written about the HBO version of THE NORMAL HEART, and an AMA about HIV/AIDS (before 1996)

EDIT: See also this answer about Ronald Reagan's response to HIV/AIDS during his presidency.