"Interwoven with photographs of the people lost, this memoir chronicles the AIDS pandemic from the late 1970s to the late 1990s, up until the death of the author's partner"-- In the 1980s and 1990s the HIV/AIDS epidemic took hold across the country. The devastating disease progressed through the gay community, causing staggering losses as divisive politics and discrimination exacerbated the death toll. Curlee, like most people in their twenties at the time, lived life to the fullest, creating a life he loved as an artist moving in with his life partner. Here he tells a story of resilience, love, and loss. It is a valuable tool for understanding our current cultural landscape, where equitable LGBTQ+ rights and access to health care continue to be threatened today. -- adapted from jacket Provided by publisher.

Important people --Introduction: The years of COVID-19 -- Growing up gay in America -- "The only living boy in New York" -- "Disco inferno" -- "California Dreamin'" -- Gay cancer -- America reacts -- The summer of 1985 -- Star power -- An era of pain and sorrow -- The bucket list -- Home alone -- The end -- After -- Tributes -- Epilogue: "Being alive, being alive."