Mary Fisher's courageous 1992 speech at the Republican National Convention tackled the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, sharing her personal diagnosis as a mother. She passionately called on the Republican Party to show compassion and support for those affected. Recalling her desire for her children to grow up free of shame, Fisher's words became a legacy of empowerment. This impactful moment shifted public perceptions and inspired future generations to confront the AIDS crisis with awareness and hope.
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Max's Discrimination
Mary Fisher's son Max faced discrimination due to her HIV diagnosis.
He wasn't allowed to bring home a stuffed animal and lost friends.
insights INSIGHT
Early HIV/AIDS Understanding
HIV attacks the body's T lymphocytes, leading to AIDS.
Early reports in the 1980s stigmatized the disease, linking it to gay men and drug users.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Fisher's Background and Invitation
Mary Fisher, diagnosed with HIV in 1991, came from a prominent Republican family.
She was invited to speak at the 1992 Republican National Convention, a significant platform.
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When Mary Fisher was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 she did not represent the typical stereotype of someone HIV-positive. She was white, heterosexual and contracted the disease in marriage. She used her platform at the Republican National Convention in Texas in 1992 to try and change people's treatment of those carrying the Aids virus.
The speech was broadcast live to millions of people via the major US TV outlets. She argued that she did not want her sons, aged four and two, to face stigma from the "whisper of Aids" once she had died.
It is ranked as one of the most important speeches in the US in the 20th Century. Mary Fisher recalls the moment she delivered the speech to Josephine McDermott.
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(Photo: Mary Fisher delivers her speech in 1992. Credit: AP)