THIS BOOK IS SO IMPORTANT, and I honestly wish I had a physical copy of it so I could showcase it on my shelf forever and give to equally passionate friends. We’re living in the age where projecting our words and speech is so important because a lot of us are living in a world where governing bodies are out to get us, so we’ve got to band together and attend rallies, sign petitions, vote in elections, and let our voices be heard.

I have always been interested in the activism that took place during the AIDS crisis of ACTUP and other groups and I was very curious about 'Boy with the Bullhorn.' This audiobook is a lot of facts to listen too and I would have trouble recommending it to anyone unless I knew the person was very interested in activism and particularly of activism of this period. Ron Goldberg is thorough almost to a fault in telling the story of his time with ACTUP and not just recounting the groups well covered, successful protests. He will tell you about the actions that were taken that received no coverage and were not successful. He recounts actions that were taken that he didn't agree with and will recount why and every so often he will even update you on how activism affected his work and personal life.
To me this man has done a public service not just with his activist of the past but in making a record of the events and decisions for history.

This was over two decades in the making! OMG, I had so many emotions listening to the author rehash this time in World History. It was simply #heartwrenching but he nicely interwoven all that trauma with some real hilarious LOL moments, theatrical pizazz and his TMI sexapades! This was over 18 hours of audio--I attended a lot of funerals in that time. SMH. Imagine if the COVID-19 Pandemic took this long to bring it under some control! The targeting of populations for both these pandemics wasted so much time and energy! It was just shameful how society (Then & Now) chose to be part of the problem rather the solution. Goldberg paid homage to all those who lost their battle--their ages devasted me and their suffering saddened me. SMH... This history took some time to be told but IT NEEDED TO BE TOLD! May Their Memories Be For A Blessing #MustListen

*As is the nature of a book of essays/memoir, many topics are discussed and could be considered trigger warnings for many people.*

Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, AIDS crisis, death, memorials/funerals, hospital, police, sexism, racism, drugs, alcohol, transphobia

Representation: Gay

Boy with the Bullhorn is author, Ron Goldberg’s memoir about his time working with ACT UP NY during the AIDS crisis. After attending his first meeting in 1987, ACT UP became Ron’s one true passion. Over the next 8 years he was involved in various aspects of the organization. This memoir is both a story of his life during that time, as well as a detailed history of the organization from 1987 to 1995.

This book was truly an inspiring, Wild ride. It provided an inside look at the AIDS crisis from a New Yorker’s perspective. The story is told with humor and passion, rage and hope. It is honest, realistic, and optimistic, and beings to life the author’s big heart. The audiobook is theatrically read by the author and is a great tool for activism today. It is incredibly important for us to know our history and continue fighting for a better future.