BACKKLASH: THE UNSILENCING is a series devoted to uncovering stories and voices from eyewitnesses and whistleblowers that support an alternative narrative surrounding the AIDS crisis.
In this episode, Nick Petosky and Poolhouse sit down with Tony, a NYC native and survivor of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Tony’s story is one of survival, strength, and triumph. Each anecdote he shares is instructive, as he dripping with a type of wisdom that only can be attained through perseverance in the face of near-certain death.
Like our previous guest, Ed, there were numerous times where it seemed like Tony would not in fact persevere. And yet, he is here with us today against the odds. Tony shares numerous episodes from his vibrant life as a New Yorker that will take us from Village discos to Wall Street and everywhere in between. This is very much a story about the Times as much as it is about Tony’s life that you are certain to find thought-provoking, poignant, and inspirational.
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Tony appears in HBO’s documentary LAST CALL: WHEN A SERIAL KILLER STALKED QUEER NEW YORK, because in addition to surviving AIDS, he also survived a serial killer.
https://www.hbo.com/last-call-when-a-serial-killer-stalked-queer-new-york
Dr. Edith Lincoln biography (via NIH): https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/physicians/biography_201.html
from Dr. Lincoln’s obituary (30 Aug 1977, NYT)
Dark Victory (1939) - Tony makes reference to this Steel Magnolias-esque classic drama of the Golden Age of Hollywood
The Saint NYC
Both Tony and Ed make reference to the iconic 80s literal pleasuredome called The Saint, which occupies a prominent place in disco, gay, and AIDS histories.
Here’s some additional info on The Saint, courtesy our Episode 23 show notes:
https://backklash.substack.com/i/121936559/the-saint-nyc
Previous episodes in THE UNSILENCING series:
Episode Hit Parade
Human League - Things Dreams Are Made Of
Edwin Starr - Contact (7” Mix)
Taana Gardner - Heartbeat (Club Mix)
First Choice - Let No Man Put Asunder (Shep Pettibone)
Diana Ross - Chain Reaction
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