TL;DR
- ACT UP New York commemorates 39 years of activism.
- Protesters staged a die-in outside Palantir.
- The protest addressed military spending and health care cuts.
- Activists honored Mark Milano, a dedicated HIV advocate.
- Hundreds gathered at the NYC AIDS Memorial before marching.
In a scene reminiscent of the fierce activism that defined the 1980s, ACT UP New York took to the streets on March 21, 2026, to mark its 39th anniversary with a powerful protest against military spending and cuts to health care. The event drew hundreds of passionate advocates who gathered at the New York City AIDS Memorial before marching to the unmarked office of Palantir, a tech company known for its controversial contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The protest was not just a celebration of ACT UP’s history, but a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the realm of health care. Protesters staged a die-in, a dramatic form of protest that harkens back to the early days of the AIDS crisis, symbolizing the lives lost due to neglect and indifference.
As they marched through Manhattan, demonstrators carried banners and shouted slogans demanding an end to government spending on military operations and ICE, while calling for renewed investment in HIV care and public health. “We will not be silenced!” shouted one activist, raising a fist in solidarity. The rally was also a poignant tribute to Mark Milano, a beloved activist who passed away earlier this year after decades of tireless work for HIV advocacy.
With banners displaying bloody handprints and messages condemning Palantir’s role in federal contracts, the protesters made their voices heard loud and clear. One sign read, “Silence = Death,” a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in the fight for health care and justice.
Jay W. Walker, a prominent figure in the New York activist community, delivered stirring remarks at the AIDS Memorial, urging attendees to continue the fight against systemic injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. “We are here to honor those we’ve lost and to demand what is rightfully ours: health care, dignity, and respect!” he declared.
The die-in at Palantir’s office was a dramatic culmination of the day’s events, with dozens of protesters lying down in the street, symbolizing the lives that have been lost due to inadequate health care and oppressive government policies. This act of defiance echoed the very essence of ACT UP’s mission: to fight for the rights of those affected by HIV and to hold those in power accountable.
As the protest concluded, the message was clear: ACT UP New York is not backing down. With a legacy of activism that has changed the landscape of public health and LGBTQ+ rights, the organization continues to stand at the forefront of the fight for justice, reminding us all that the struggle is far from over.