February 18, 2026, 2pm–8pm
Alumni Reading Room, Pratt Library
A one-day workshop that explores what constitutes “queer memorialization” informed by the shared experiences of those who died or lost loved ones during the AIDS crisis and the forms of community care that emerged as a result.
The afternoon workshop brings participants and speakers into a collective story-telling environment exploring what constitutes queer memorialization. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to the AIDS Memorial quilt, working with Pratt Fashion and Textiles student group Repair, Rest, Repeat, alongside other creative activities.
Afternoon story stewards include: Joe Golden, (A Patchwork of Memory), Brad Walrond (poet, activist), Melinda Hunt – Hart Island Project AIDS Initiative among others.
In the evening, Ken Lustbader, co-founder NYC LGBTQ Historic Sites Project will chair a dialogue with Perry Brass, member of the Gay Liberation Front and co-founder of the Gay Men’s Health Project and Ron Goldberg, ACT UP activist and author (Boy with the Bullhorn).
Together, they will explore the historical connections between their organizations during the AIDS crisis, before opening up a collaborative discussion with attendees on how best to commemorate sites of queer death, dying, and care amid renewed attacks on LGBTQ+ communities and histories.