Never the Last Love Letter Documentary
Never the Last Love Letter uncovers the untold stories of resilience, hope, and rebellion during the HIV/AIDS crisis in Santa Cruz, California. Produced by The Diversity Center with a team of local volunteer filmmakers, the film explores grassroots organizing, creative HIV prevention efforts, and the personal sacrifices made by those who fought to save lives. Through interviews with survivors, activists, medical professionals, and allies, the documentary captures the courageous actions that transformed Santa Cruz.
Featuring archival footage, personal artifacts, and materials from the MAH’s Queer Exhibit, the film immerses viewers in the 1980s. Grounded in LGBTQ+ identity and Santa Cruz's unique history, it honors the rebellious spirit that defined the town’s public health response during a devastating time.
The documentary will be released in May 2025, alongside the Threads of Love art exhibit at the MAH. In today’s context of rising anti-trans legislation and public health crises, the film and exhibit connect past struggles with present challenges, showing how communities can stand up to oppression, fight for dignity, and create lasting change.
Threads of Love Art Exhibit
The Diversity Center (TDC) and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) proudly present Threads of Love, a month-long exhibit from May to June 2025, reflecting the profound impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community. This exhibit celebrates resilience, love, and activism, serving as a living love letter to the past, present, and future of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Aligned with the 50th anniversary of Santa Cruz Pride, Threads of Love seeks to educate and inspire visitors by exploring the challenges of the AIDS crisis while celebrating the community’s enduring commitment to social justice, advocacy, and mutual support. Central to the exhibit will be panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a powerful symbol of the lives lost, along with artwork from local students and community members focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
Inspired by a queer teen’s desire to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt after attending a Diversity Center youth program, Threads of Love will include monthly art workshops, engaging the community in creating art that combats the stigma and discrimination historically associated with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community. These workshops will add depth and connection to this significant exhibit.
Threads of Love is not just an exhibit, it is a movement - a celebration of art as activism and the love that continues to define the LGBTQ+ community. We invite everyone to join us in this journey of education, remembrance, and empowerment.
Art as Activism
Art has always been a powerful tool for activism, allowing us to express our convictions, challenge injustices, and connect with others. During the HIV/AIDS crisis, the LGBTQ+ community used art to not only express grief and loss but also demand action, advocate for change, and celebrate resilience.
As we prepare for the Threads of Love exhibit, The Diversity Center will focus on Art as Activism, highlighting how creative expression drives social change. Through workshops utilizing posters, quilts, stickers, and digital media, participants will explore the history of art as activism and create works reflecting a commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.
These workshops aim to honor those who came before us and inspire the next generation to continue fighting for equality. Through creative expression, our love letter to the past becomes a call to action and a beacon of hope for the future.