Between 2018 and 2021, I worked as the story-gathering consultant for the AIDS Memorial Pathway.

One level, I collected oral histories from some 50 people in Western Washington recounting how their lives were altered by HIV/AIDS; on another level, I was fortunate enough to perform sacred work, witnessing people open their hearts. Black and brown folks, LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people, doctors, politicians, researchers, nonprofit staffers, activists, journalists, family members: Together, they wove a community’s collective story.

I worked with incredible filmmakers, cinematographers and editors to turn individual stories into close to 50 videos.

They can be found on the AMP website. In the future, the raw material will become part of a special collection at the Seattle Public Library.

Here are a few completed videos:

Rev. Harriett Walden will never forget the joy her son, Hiram, brought to the world. She wants others to remember that joy, too.

Dr. Peter Shalit began his medical training in the early 1980s, at the start of the AIDS pandemic. It changed the arc of his career.

Dana Schuerholz became an activist after seeing powerful imagery. When she protested with ACT-UP Seattle, she took her camera.

Robert White and James Tolliver met in the 1980s. That’s given them a long time kiki—and to remember those that have passed on.

Aleksa Manila believes the power of drag allows her to speak to her community. That skill has helped her educate people about HIV.

Margo Bykonen worked as a nurse at Swedish Medical Center with a focus on end-life-care. She was there when the AIDS crisis began.

Julia Kaplan and Lainy Beitler take pride in the leather community. Through it, they cared for and loved people living with AIDS.

DeAunté Damper was shocked when he found out he was living with HIV. The revelation set him on a new path.

For more videos, visit theamp.org/stories/

If you’d like to share your personal story with The AMP, please do.

Here’s what you need to know.