Heartbreaking Twitter thread reminds us all of the devastation caused by Aids epidemic

World Aids Day offers the opportunity for people worldwide to unite and fight against HIV, support those living with the disease, and commemorate all those who have died from Aids related illnesses.

This heartbreaking Twitter thread does just that, by bringing home yet again the devastation that was caused by the Aids epidemic.

HIV/Aids arrived in the United States as early as 1960, but was first noticed in young gay men in Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco, in 1981.

The epidemic reached a peak in the USA between 1987-1996, killing 324,029 men and women in the USA between 1987 and 1998, reports British Academy.

It particularly impacted the gay community, just as the equal rights movement was really gaining ground. During its peak, by the end of 1983, 71 per cent of the Aids cases reported were among gay and bisexual men, reports Living History.

Now, Twitter user Tucker Shaw is reliving those terrifying times, and bringing to life the people and human stories behind the numbers, in an evocative and heartbreaking thread of tweets:

The lyrical and emotive tweets have caused an outpouring of support, and memorials.

Tell someone you love them today.

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