Description
Journals of Kevin Brew, a man who died of HIV. Brew was born in Queens, New York and moved to San Francisco in 1975. These
journals detail activities of every day life, the onset of the AIDS epidemic, Brew's own course of treatment, as well as reactions
to national events such as the election of President Reagan and the murder of John Lennon.
Background
Kevin Brew was born in Queens, New York, on April 7, 1950. He moved to San Francisco in August of 1975, and lived there until
his death from AIDS on March 28, 1993. It is unclear why Brew moved to San Francisco, although his journals imply a search
for a "simpler" life. Sunshine was also a motivation. His career/work is not specified in his writings, or in his Bay Area
Reporter obituary, dated April 15, 1993. His greatest interest appears to have been doing art work, mainly collage. A skimming
of his journals suggests that Kevin had turbulent relationships with his friends and family. He seemed to be an extremely
intelligent and sensitive man who expressed feeling generally frustrated and unappreciated by many of the people in his life.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet
1 manuscript box
Restrictions
Copyright to unpublished manuscript materials has been transferred to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society.
Availability
Collection open for research.