Playwright on HIV Med Strike / NYTW Responds

What does killing yourself over what a regional theater think of a war accomplish? Even if they did give into Victor's demands, it won't change what's happening overseas. NYTW would rather protect their wealthy donors than throw that away for a statement (even if necessary...)

Also, Victor noted themselves that they were fired by NYTW before the med strike started. I'll find a link to that to share.



1. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzuQhOEPZzV/

2. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzuVfgtPj_P/

3. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzxFLCVvUyi/

Updated On: 3/4/24 at 09:12 AM

Isn't that Tennessee Williams speech in the NYTW statement from James Grissom's book? By which I mean completely made up?

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "It's a toothless statement by NYTW, but a statement that never had to be made in the first place.

I hope the playwright is able to get some serious mental health treatment."

Agreed. And as someone who had posting privileges revoked for a short time because I hypothesized that a famous person might have mental health issues, I hope you don't face similar repercussions.

Updated On: 3/4/24 at 10:12 AM

Thank you for articulating what I've struggled to put my finger on with all of this, Kad. In these instances, the headlines aren't actually about Gaza and the genocide, but they're about the artist. That's not martyrdom, it's narcissism.

I just don't understand what people like him and the people behind the "uncommitted" effort think they are going to accomplish. You don't just call for a cease fire and it happens. There are a lot of negotiations involved. Even after Biden said that a cease fire is in the works and was confident it would happen soon, they evidently still were not happy as they were at the polls voting uncommitted and asking others to do so. Sometimes you need to have patience. Something a lot of people don't seem to have these days. JMO

Updated On: 3/7/24 at 02:12 PM

This makes me angry for so many reasons.

There are countless people who died waiting for these drugs, nearly an entire generation of gay men. And so many within that community, and beyond, fought like hell to get these life saving drugs into circulation. This "strike" feels like a spit in their faces. This medication is a game changer.

The drugs are also incredibly expensive if you don't have the right insurance. So the least they could do would be to donate them to some kid who can't afford their next refill. Rather than make self indulgent social media videos.

Plus they were fired from NYTW. So you're asking your EX employer to make a ceasefire statement? And I hate to break it to you, but in the grand scheme of things, a statement from some off-broadway theater company means NOTHING in terms of shifting actual events in this war, or public sentiment around it. Why would you *literally* choose to die on this hill? Why not call your senator? Why not help one of the many other larger public action orgs stage a formal protest or march? OR...why not use your actual talent and skill as a playwright to WRITE about it and ensure that this horrifying time in history has a voice and is remembered for all time? This person is choosing the LEAST helpful route, and is in the process making it all about themselves. UGH.

jv92 said: "I mean, I think it's insulting to the scores of (marginalized) peoplewho died, fought, or fought and died, just so you could have these medications and lead a long, productive life with HIV, but I suppose that doesn't matter to the lunatics trying to runthe asylum now.Good luck with the slow suicide, and I hope Larry Kramer doesn't meet you and the pearly gates, because he'll have some things to say.



"

I don't mean this as a statement of support but med strikes have a very long history in the AIDS crisis. He did not stumble upon some groundbreaking new form of protest even if he's under the impression he did.

Impeach2017 said: "Does the strike also insist on the return of all hostages and an accounting of those who were killed? No? I didn't think so."

I don't think this situation needs somebody trying to pull a 'gotcha' on this person. They're already got.

There are countless people who died waiting for these drugs, nearly an entire generation of gay men. And so many within that community, and beyond, fought like hell to get these life saving drugs into circulation. This "strike" feels like a spit in their faces. This medication is a game changer.

It absolutely is and it has saved so many lives and will continue to do so. And I ask this genuinely as someone who is not part of the rainbow community: Does this person need to take their medication because of men who fought and died for him to so? Isn't it his right to make his own health care decisions? Just honestly curious here.

Ke3 said: "jv92 said: "I mean, I think it's insulting to the scores of (marginalized) peoplewho died, fought, or fought and died, just so you could have these medications and lead a long, productive life with HIV, but I suppose that doesn't matter to the lunatics trying to runthe asylum now.Good luck with the slow suicide, and I hope Larry Kramer doesn't meet you and the pearly gates, because he'll have some things to say.



"

I don't mean this as a statement of support but med strikes have a very long history in the AIDS crisis. He did not stumble upon some groundbreaking new form of protest even if he's under the impression he did.

"


Yes, of course. And obviously, the meds of the 80s were not what they are now. I certainly meant no disrespect. But without Kramer and ACT UP, this fellow would not be in the fortuitous circumstance he’s in, that too, too many were not— and never could be.


The whole thing is ugly and infuriating. And shameful.