Patrick O'Connell
From QueerBio.com
Country
United States
Birth - Death
1953 - 2021
Occupation
Activist
Description
LGBTQ activist and creator of the red ribbon, which signifies support and respect for the AIDS community, and the Red Ribbon Project (1991). Founding Director of Visual AIDS (1980-1995) which uses art and artist’s works to advocate for people with HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness of the epidemic. Also created awareness with Day Without Art. an event whcih sees various US-based arts organisations, museums and galleries shrouding their artworks with information about HIV and safe sex. Former director of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in Buffalo. Died of AIDS.