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Surviving & Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture

Fear Mongering

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The other night Charlie brought home a quart of milk, a loaf of bread and a case of AIDS, 1980s

Produced by the New York City Department of Health, this poster explicitly blamed bisexual men for spreading AIDS to their female partners and children. Instead of suggesting that Charlie be honest with his wife and protect her sexual health, it assumed that all bisexuals were unfaithful and unhealthy.

  • Publisher(s):
    New York City Department of Health
  • Type:
    Poster
Blue background with black text, black and white photograph on bottom left of a white man in coat carrying a paper grocery bag on a street.
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    The other night Charlie brought home a quart of milk, a loaf of bread and a case of AIDS.

    Charlie always felt his bisexual affairs were harmless enough.

    But Charlie did catch the AIDS virus. That’s why his family’s at risk. His wife risks losing her husband, and when she has sex with him, her own life. lf she becomes pregnant she can pass the AIDS virus to her baby.

    Charlie could have protected himself. Saying “No” could have done it, or using a condom.

    Right now there’s no vaccine for AIDS, and no cure in sight. With what we know today, and with the precautions that can be taken, no one has to come home with a story like Charlie’s.

    AIDS If you think you can’t get it, you’re dead wrong.

    NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HFAITH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 1 (718) 485-8111

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