AIDS: The Lost Voices - Brian Carmichael 'This All Actually Happened' 1/2
Jul 31, 2026 · 2 hr 7 min · 13 segments
In this first of a two-part series we speak with Brian Carmichael, HIV/AIDS and prison activist, who recalls his time incarcerated at California Medical Facility in Vacaville: though HIV-negative…
In this first of a two-part series we speak with Brian Carmichael, HIV/AIDS and prison activist, who recalls his time incarcerated at California Medical Facility in Vacaville: though HIV-negative himself at the time, in 1992 he and Charles Perry launched a hunger strike demanding better care and treatment for inmates with HIV/AIDS — a protest that helped secure the first-ever hospice within a US prison. Brian and his comrades were the first to join the facility’s new Pastoral Care Services team, supporting prisoners with HIV/AIDS; he remembers holding solitary vigils to ensure inmates did not die alone. Brian also played a huge part in the AIDS Quilt’s visit to CMF — the first time it had ever been displayed inside a prison — a stitched testament to the suffering and humanity of those behind bars by Brian and his comrades. Across this two-hour episode Brian emphasises he was not alone in bringing about much-needed change, sharing stories of love and friendship with fellow inmates — Laos, Charles, Law, Peter and so many more — whose courage and care reshaped how the institution treated HIV/AIDS, illness, grief and dignity. All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the: XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - Brian Carmichael You can find all 3 previous episodes looking at Brian's activism as documented in the press. \---------------------------------------------------- **AIDS Quilt - Names Project -** Website Search Quilts: 1943 & 6063 \---------------------------------------------------- Audio Credits: - **The Normal Heart** (2014) by HBO - Watch on HBO Max - **Hunger Strike** (1991) by Temple of the Dogs - YouTube Music - Spotify - Apple Music - **Holberg Suite**: Edvard Grieg - Performer: Gerhard Oppitz \---------------------------------------------------- Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE \---------------------------------------------------- Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast which has no (Zero) commercial gain. No copyright infringement intended.
In this first of a two-part series we speak with Brian Carmichael, HIV/AIDS and prison activist, who recalls his time incarcerated at California Medical Facility in Vacaville: though HIV-negative…
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