. . Paul Popham (October 6, 1941 – May 7 , 1987) was a decorated Vietnam war veteran, gay rights and AIDS activist who died of AIDS in NYC. He was 45 years old. . Popham was a co-founder of the @gmhc and its first President from 1981/85. He was also the chairman of the lobbying group ‘AIDS Action Council’ which he help found. . Popham, born in Emmett, Idaho, was a graduate of @portlandstate. In 1966, as a First Lieutenant, he was decorated with the Bronze Star for valor during the Vietnam war. In 1969, he retired as a Special Forces Major in the Army Reserve. . In 1981, Popham became politically active when he read a newspaper article about “gay cancer.” He himself was diagnosed with AIDS in February 1985 but continued with his activism until he was too ill to carry on. . Popham was the basis for the character of #BruceNiles in #LarryKramer’s mainly autobiographical 1985 play #TheNormalHeart which focuses on the rise of the AIDS epidemic in NYC between 1981/84. . On his deathbed, it's been alleged that Popham repeated to Kramer on the phone, Keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting!” . “Paul was a wonderful uncle and loved by the whole family. I went to NYC and stayed with him for a month after high school. What a fun time. He and friends would take my girlfriend out in the evening and show us around. He even tried to get us in to Studio 54! Many people in line behind a velvet rope. They saw Paul and held up 2 fingers saying you and your friend? Paul then pointed to us in our cute little Portland, Oregon, 18 year old fashion sense outfits🤣. They said no. We still laugh about that one. He always turned heads in his Levi's and tank. I went back and visited many more times. We have many momentos and memories of a life well lived. Love you Uncle Paul.” — by @mrs_chock . #whatisrememberedlives #theaidsmemorial #aidsmemorial #neverforget #endaids . (at NYC AIDS Memorial)
