Never Silent: ACT Up and My Life in Activism

Staley, an HIV/AIDS activist, writes a powerful memoir that delves into his childhood, life as a bond trader on Wall Street as a not-yet-out gay man, and most importantly his coming out and life-defining involvement with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power). In fact, Staley’s life and identity are so interwoven with ACT UP, that at times this personal account reads more like a forensic investigation into the inner workings of a living, breathing community organization. Staley effectively brings readers into the fray as he describes the coordination, planning, management, and resilience that goes into establishing and growing an activist organization such as ACT UP. The author beautifully traces his life in activism (including the personal and romantic relationships he made along the way), his taking on greater responsibilities within ACT UP, and his failures, in an honest and touching way. This memoir cements Staley as a bulwark in the fight for HIV/AIDS patients’ rights and shows the true power of a life lived through activism. The book includes a several personal photographs as well as a foreword by Anderson Cooper.