Unfortunately, when HIV stopped being known as a primarily white gay epidemic, it began to feel more and more like an afterthought. AfricanAmericans make up more than 40 percent of all people living with HIV in the United States, despite African Americans comprising only 12 percent of the U.S.

The intersection of race creates additional barriers like access to healthcare, medication and a proximity to higher infection rates. Look no further than the HIV epidemic, which remains a major problem for Black and Brown men who have sex with men. White queers often benefit from the work of Black queers, only to distance themselves once their particular needs are met. Such revisionism is not just a feature of movies, however.