During the 1980s HIV/AIDS spread quickly throughout the world. In the United States it was labeled by many Christians as the "gay disease" because of its quick movement through gay communities. The fact the HIV was also affecting heterosexual populations by means of sex, intravenous drug use, blood transfusions and blood products--men, women and children--was often ignored. Hemophiliacs were often infected through a clotting serum called Factor 8.
In 1987 two young hemophiliac brothers who had been diagnosed as HIV-positive were refused entrance to a Florida public school. A Baptist minister rallied crowds in support of the school's decision--branding the children "infectious" and "dangerous." A riot ensued and the family's house was burned down.
A hand full of Christian activists sought to organize and direct compassionate ministry to men, women, and children who were living with AIDS; however, most of their appeals fell on deaf, judgmental ears.
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