The early to mid-1980s were a time of great uncertainty about HIV/AIDS. As a gay male you were avoided, homophobia ran rife and social activities such as Gayskate, a social event held at the Red Hill skate arena, came to an end through fear. Efforts aimed at HIV/AIDS education were also severely thwarted by the state government, so much so that instead of cooperation we got the ‘Perverts and Deviants Act’.