The Broadway production, The Inheritance, showcased stories of gay men over many generations. The show explored the ramifications of the missing generation – men who died during the peak of the HIV and AIDS crisis of the 1980’s and 1990’s. The characters in The Inheritance are haunted by memories of men who were both loved and lost. The repercussions are still felt today by the LGBTQ community. Queer youth who were born during or soon after the crisis live with the knowledge and memories of this historic and bleak time in gay history. 

From the modern gay rights movement to the HIV and AIDS crisis, the wins of gay marriage and equality, the sacrifices and triumphant moments is a dichotomy that brings that LGBTQ community together. As a result, we have learned to value the voices of our past, present, and our future.  

But the voices that are missing from the conversation are those who died during one of the most fearful moments in gay history. It is tragic and heart wrenching. While some may not know the fear, loss, hurt, and pain of the missing generation, it is important to tell their story. It’s equally as important to respect the survivors—the men, women, families, medical researchers, doctors, protestors, and advocates. They are the heroes who helped the gay community stand strong during the battle against HIV and AIDS. 

During a time of uncertainty, it took bold and courageous people to come out, fight against stigmas, and to advocate for a cure. While thousands of men fell ill and passed away, it made their work even harder. But with unwavering support and compassion, the LGBTQ community continued to fight for equal rights and equality during this dark time. It’s this resilience that makes celebrating the victories so much more meaningful. 

Across the world, many jurisdictions have made great strides in passing laws around rights and freedoms, marriage equality, and transgender affirming care, while at the same time banning conversion therapy practices, bans on gay sex, and blood donations from men who sleep with men. However, more work needs to be done. 

There are still stigmas, discrimination, and oppression of the queer community, including hate crimes against the LGBTQ community, trans rights, and broadening the wins to other jurisdictions that haven’t already done it, enshrining the same rights many western and some European countries now have. Today, there are still over 65 countries where legislation and sanctions can lead to imprisonment and the death penalty just for being gay. This is unacceptable. 

The LGBTQ community has a long history of grassroots movements to advocate for change. It is important, through strength and support, to do this important work, both at home, and in other jurisdictions. 

On days of remembrance, at Pride celebrations, and at every win for LGBTQ rights, we need to honor and respect those who came before us and the bold, scary, and courageous sacrifices they made. It’s a collective responsibility to care for and learn from the survivors of the missing generation, to ensure that they maintain their dignity as they move into their golden years. They have important stories to tell and lessons to learn from. 

While stigma and discrimination still exist, HIV and AIDS doesn’t have to be a part of our future. There are incredible treatments for those living with HIV, allowing them to lead normal lives. There is treatment as prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), to protect people from getting HIV. Education that Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). And there are exiting trials and advancements on a cure for those living with HIV. 

The legacy of the missing generation will always be remembered, cherished, and respected with kindness.