Fortune: And what about you, Jes? How did Peter’s diagnosis and activism impact your own leadership journey?
Jes: It made me realize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Seeing Peter fight for his life and for the lives of others in the LGBT community showed me the power of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. It also made me more aware of the struggles that marginalized communities face and the need for allies to stand with them.
Fortune: Peter, looking back on your time as an activist, what do you think was the most impactful moment of your work with ACT UP?
Peter: One of the most impactful moments for me was the protest at the New York Stock Exchange where I chained myself to the balcony and threw fake money to protest the profiteering of drug companies during the AIDS crisis. It was a bold move, but it brought attention to the issue and helped push for change in the industry. It was a moment where I felt like I was truly making a difference and standing up for what I believed in.
Fortune: Both of you have had remarkable careers in finance and activism. What advice do you have for others who are trying to make a difference in their own fields?
Jes: I would say don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular or difficult. Be true to yourself and your values, and don’t be afraid to take risks in order to create change. And always remember the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Peter: I would add that it’s important to find a support system and allies who can help you in your journey. Surround yourself with people who believe in your cause and who will stand by you through thick and thin. And never underestimate the power of your voice and your actions to make a difference in the world.
Fortune: Thank you both for sharing your stories and insights with us. Your courage and leadership are truly inspiring.
We made this giant condom, like a hot air balloon, and we flew it over his house in Raleigh. We got a big audience, and it was all over the national news. But it was also in the papers in Raleigh. And he was apoplectic. He was furious. He called a press conference, and he said, “No matter what you think of me, I’m a Christian man, and I’m not going to engage in this kind of gutter politics.” And the next day he lost 5 points in the polls. And he never recovered. He was close to losing his Senate seat.
Jes: We got a lot of flak for that because it was seen as juvenile and not serious. But it was effective.
Peter: And it was fun.
Jes, what do you think Peter’s activism taught you?
Jes: That one person can make a difference. Peter’s efforts were an expression of his humanity and his values. He felt the pain of people he didn’t know. He wasn’t a saint, but he was driven by a sense of fairness and justice. He also showed me the power of a simple act of kindness. In this case, kindness meant being willing to go to jail or blow up your career to stand up for what you believe in. That’s a pretty high standard.
Peter: I just want to add one thing to that. We’ve talked about the personal side of this, but the other side of this is that it was a political battle. It was a fight. We were fighting to live. And the only way to win was to fight. And we won. We had AIDS drugs developed in record time.
Jes: So that was the thing: You were willing to go to bed every night knowing you might not wake up the next morning. That’s not hyperbole.
Peter: That’s not hyperbole. That’s true.
Jes: It’s a pretty high standard.
Peter: That’s what we were all going through. That’s what I was going through. That’s what Peter and the band of brothers and sisters that I was with were going through. That was the reality. And the only way to get through that was to fight. And we did.
Jes: We did. And you’re still here. And you’ve made a difference.
Peter: We all did. We all did.
Jes: We all did. And we’re better for it.
END.
That must have been a difficult time for you, Peter. How did you feel, Jes, when you found out about Peter’s addiction?
Jes: It was a shock, to be honest. I knew Peter had been through so much already with his activism and his own battle with HIV. But addiction was something I hadn’t expected. I was worried for him, but also proud of him for seeking help and getting clean.
It sounds like you both have been through a lot together. How has your friendship evolved over the years?
Peter: Our friendship has only grown stronger. We have been through so much together, and we have always been there for each other through the good times and the bad. Jes has been a source of strength and support for me, and I am grateful to have him in my life.
Jes: Likewise, Peter. You have been an inspiration to me in so many ways. Your activism, your resilience, and your courage have always pushed me to be a better person. I am proud to call you my friend.
It’s clear that your bond is special and enduring. Thank you both for sharing your stories and your insights with us today.
“ Nicht einfach.
Was ist die Lektion daraus?
Peter: Die Lektion? Sucht ist eine Krankheit, und wenn ich schwarz wäre, wäre ich im Gefängnis. Und wir als Land müssen uns wirklich mit diesem Thema auseinandersetzen und es rein aus öffentlicher Gesundheitssicht betrachten. Ich hatte die finanziellen Mittel für dieses ambulante Programm. Jeder braucht diesen Zugang. Sonst wäre ich am Ende tot gewesen.
Du bist immer noch sehr engagiert in der AIDS-Bewegung. Ist es immer noch eine Krise?
Peter: Ja, das ist es. Ich arbeite daran, dass die USA das beenden, was wir in den 80er Jahren begonnen haben. Die Epidemie wütet immer noch. Wir haben immer noch jährliche Infektionen in den USA, die ungefähr auf dem Niveau der 1990er Jahre liegen. Die Krise ist noch nicht vorbei – weltweit sind immer noch 37 Millionen infiziert, 2 Millionen infizieren sich jedes Jahr und 1,2 Millionen sterben jedes Jahr. Aber im Gegensatz zu den 80er und 90er Jahren haben wir die Mittel, um diese Zahlen in die richtige Richtung zu bewegen – sie bewegen sich in die richtige Richtung.
Die Mittel sind antiretrovirale Therapie, und wir haben tatsächlich ein Medikament, das HIV-Infektionen verhindert, wenn man es jeden Tag einnimmt. Wir haben gelernt, dass wir, wenn wir mehr Menschen in Behandlung bringen, tatsächlich die Zahl der Neuinfektionen senken. Alles, was wir tun müssen, ist diese Mittel einzusetzen, etwas Geld im Voraus zu investieren, und langsam die Epidemie eindämmen. Im Moment versuche ich, HIV/AIDS in den Wahlkampf einzubringen.
Jes, letzten Dezember haben Sie die Verantwortung für 129.000 Mitarbeiter in einer Bank übernommen, die eine gute Bilanz bei der Unterstützung von HIV/AIDS-Programmen und LGBT-Angelegenheiten aufweist. Denken Sie, „Ich muss mehr tun“?
Jes: Ich glaube nicht, dass irgendein gesellschaftliches Thema statisch ist. Wir können immer besser machen, sei es bei Geschlechterfragen, LGBT-Fragen oder Rassenfragen.
Peter: Ich fordere ihn ständig auf, ständig dieses Limit zu überschreiten. Ich finde es wirklich toll, dass er sich zum Thema Einkommensungleichheit geäußert hat, dass er Demokrat ist und dass wir oft dieselben Kandidaten unterstützen. Ich mache Witze mit ihm. Ich sagte: „Wenn die Revolution kommt…“
Jes: Wir verstecken uns in seinem Haus [Gelächter].
Peter: Er wird einen Anruf von mir bekommen, in dem ich sage: „Holt die Familie raus!“ Und ich werde aus dem Hauptquartier der Revolution anrufen.
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Eine Version dieses Artikels erscheint in der Ausgabe vom 1. August 2016 in Fortune.