DIVA TV
Like A Prayer (1990)
DIVA TV, Damned Interfering Video Activists Television, was an affinity group of the organization ACT UP. The group functioned as a video collective, not unlike others such as Testing the Limits, who documented the meetings, actions and demonstrations of ACT UP. Like A Prayer is a response to the “Stop the Church” demonstration cosponsored by ACT UP and WHAM! at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on December 10th, 1989. This demonstration was an act of protest against Cardinal O’Conner’s opposition toward contraceptives and safe-sex education, essential preventative measures to limit the spread of HIV infection. The video features Ray Navarro’s performance as Jesus Christ turned news reporter, signage by Gran Fury, the die-in within the church and the resulting controversy that ensued.
