In 1999, AHF kicked off a bold campaign in West Hollywood to promote safe sex with the launch of Proposition A. The initiative, known as the “Safer Sex City Act of 2000,” aimed to put condoms front and center in the fight against HIV. AHF got a boost from celebrities like Zelda Rubenstein from Poltergeist and Rebekka Armstrong, a former model and bodybuilder turned HIV/AIDS activist, who helped spread the word.
Photo of billboard on Sunset Boulevard that says, “Don’t Give ’em Anything But Love, Baby!” with a photo of Rebekka Armstrong.
To keep the conversation going, AHF also hit the streets with some eye-catching billboards – a hallmark of AHF’s activism. One featured Rebekka Armstrong with the catchy slogan, “Don’t Give ’em Anything But Love, Baby!” while another delivered a hard-hitting message: “Women are the fastest growing group of new AIDS cases in the United States.” Through these campaigns, AHF aimed to make condoms a regular part of daily life and drive home the importance of safe sex in preventing the spread of HIV.
Although voters shot down Prop A, AHF didn’t back down, continuing its push for safer sex and eventually founding International Condom Day to raise awareness year-round. The holiday, which takes place every February 13th, is designed to raise awareness about the importance of condoms in preventing not just HIV, but other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. It also encourages people to make safer sexual choices. International Condom Day has grown over the years, becoming an international event marked by various activities, from condom giveaways to educational campaigns.
Photo of Mary Adair and Terri Ford in front of a “Yes on A” poster.
But AHF wasn’t finished. In 2001, they took things further by gathering enough signatures to put a new measure on the ballot. This plan would require businesses across West Hollywood to give away condoms and safe-sex info, doubling the number of condoms distributed and expanding the program to more places, including bars, coffeehouses, and adult businesses—no more focusing just on gay bars. AHF president Michael Weinstein argued that the existing voluntary program wasn’t enough, pointing out that only 64% of gay bars were complying with condom distribution. The proposed program would make at least 500,000 condoms available annually.
Color photo of Michael Weinstein being interviewed by a journalist from KPCC.
Have an archival request? Fill out the form here.
What’s this?
