The Pandemic Mask Of The ‘80s
- Curators' Team
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
How the Adoption Of Condoms Following The AIDS Outbreak Changed The Approach To Safety And Prevention
The emergence of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s transformed the role of condoms. They evolved from being merely a contraceptive tool to becoming a crucial method of disease prevention. This shift took place despite resistance from the conservative Reagan administration, which was reluctant to engage in public discussions about homosexuality, sex education, and drug abuse during the AIDS pandemic.
Early forms of condoms appeared long before the modern era. In Japan and China, they were used before the 15th century, made from materials like tortoiseshell, thin leather, oiled paper, or lamb intestines—similar to the linen or animal-intestine versions later found in 18th-century Europe. The first documented European use dates to 1564, when anatomist Gabriele Falloppio described a linen sheath for disease prevention. A significant shift came in 1839 with Charles Goodyear’s vulcanised rubber, which made condoms more accessible to the working class. The 20th century saw further innovation: Marie Stopes promoted a reusable female condom in 1923, and the first commercially available polyurethane model appeared in Europe in 1990, receiving FDA approval in 1993. The word “condom” itself has an uncertain origin, first appearing in print in 1706.
The peak period for condom sales in the United States occurred during the 1930s and 1940s, spurred by the alarming rise of venereal diseases. However, as the industry expanded, it also saw an influx of low-quality 'pirate' products.
In 1960, the introduction of birth control revolutionized sexual practices, leading to a sharp decline in condom sales as many believed the pill would suffice. The market for condoms only started to recover during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when condom dispensers became popular again, and people began to feel less embarrassed about purchasing them. During this time, condoms became widely available in stores like Walmart and grocery stores, reducing the need for discreet purchases from vending machines.
Too Little, Too Late
Many critics argue that Reagan's response to the AIDS pandemic was inadequate and came too late, even on a personal level. The relationship between Reagan and fellow actor Rock Hudson is a poignant chapter in the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Hudson, a beloved Hollywood star (LINK TO IG REEL), was among the first high-profile figures to reveal his battle with AIDS in 1985 publicly.
Hudson and partner, Marc Christian
Hudson had publicly supported Reagan's political career, and his illness might have catalyzed a more compassionate and proactive response to the epidemic. However, despite their friendship, the personal connection did not result in the necessary political advocacy for awareness and funding. The administration largely maintained a dismissive stance, and Reagan did not publicly mention AIDS until 1987, two years after Hudson's diagnosis, when the epidemic had already claimed thousands of lives. Even then, his comments were made in a context that failed to address the crisis's urgency.
An Unexpected Hero
Despite his conservative background and the government's inaction—exemplified by his exclusion from the Executive Task Force on AIDS—former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop began to combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in 1987. He declared that condoms provided the best protection for individuals who would not practice abstinence or monogamy. Koop criticized the government's silence on the issue, stating: “You can’t talk about snake poisoning without mentioning snakes."
In addition to promoting condom use, Koop supported other public health measures, such as sex education. His efforts led to a 33% increase in condom sales in 1987. He famously mailed a comprehensive report on AIDS to 100 million U.S. households in 1988. During this time, his focus was on science-based prevention and supporting the civil rights of those living with AIDS while opposing discrimination in all its forms.
“You can’t talk about snake poisoning without mentioning snakes."
Public awareness campaigns were widely distributed to reinforce the importance of condom use. These campaigns aimed to shift public perception from secrecy, shame, and taboo to one of protection and empowerment. LINK TO AIDS CAMPAIGNS REEL
Pleasant Evolution
Condoms have evolved significantly over time, starting as crude products made from reusable animal intestines. They later included materials such as oiled silk paper used by the Chinese and tortoiseshell sheaths used by the Japanese. They were initially an elitist and expensive commodity, but eventually became the cheap, disposable items we are familiar with today.
In 1937, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified condoms as a medical device, which led to significant improvements in quality control measures. Previously, only a quarter of condoms were tested, but the new regulations required that each condom undergo testing.
The Youngs Rubber Company in the U.S. and the London Rubber Company in the U.K. quickly adapted to these legal requirements, giving their products—Trojan and Durex—a considerable advantage over competitors. In 1957, Durex introduced the first-ever lubricated condom.
Easy Access to Survival
The AIDS crisis served as a reminder that using a condom was an act of responsibility and self-care, rather than something to be ashamed of. Dispensers that provided condoms for a penny have existed since 1915 or 1916. These machines, specifically condom vending machines, were widely installed in public restrooms, bars, clinics, and other semi-public spaces, allowing anonymous, nonjudgmental access and offering a discreet, do-it-yourself method for purchasing condoms.
Condom machines (right to left) 60s, 80s, and 2000s.:
In pharmacies, condoms were typically kept under the counter and displayed on velvet, resembling pieces of jewelry rather than everyday items. While people generally tried to make their purchases with minimal conversation, there was an undeniable stigma attached. These machines, including over-the-counter condom vending machines placed inside or near pharmacies and self-service retail dispensers that allowed customers to purchase condoms without direct interaction with pharmacists or cashiers, helped eliminate those awkward interactions.
The Woman Factor
When AIDS was first identified in the 1980s, there was a prevalent belief that it was a “gay” disease, as the majority of cases in North America and Europe were found among men who engaged in sexual intercourse with other men. This led to a widespread misunderstanding of who could actually be affected by the virus. However, as research progressed, it became clear that women were also at risk of HIV/AIDS infection.
By the mid-1980s, evidence began to emerge showing an increase in infections among heterosexual women. Further research revealed that the virus could be transmitted through blood transfusions, sexual intercourse, from mother to child during childbirth, and through breastfeeding. These misconceptions delayed education efforts and prevention campaigns targeting other groups.
For women, the threat of AIDS/HIV infection represents not only a biological vulnerability, but also a social one. Many women lack the power to insist on condom usage, face sexual violence, and are often economically dependent on their partners. These factors led health organizations worldwide to promote campaigns advocating safer sex practices for individuals of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.
In an effort to empower women in managing their sexual health, the female condom (also
known as the internal condom) was developed and approved for use in the 1990s. Made from polyurethane or nitrile, this soft, flexible pouch is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse, creating a barrier against semen, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Its use significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and relies solely on women's proactivity.
The female condom, introduced to the market in 1993, offered several advantages. For instance, it can be inserted several hours before intercourse, providing more external protection of the genital area. However, its adoption has been limited in many regions due to factors such as higher costs, limited availability, low awareness, and cultural resistance.
The Naysayers
Much has changed since Reagan’s time, but similar to the skepticism around face masks during COVID, there are still some who remain unconvinced about the importance of condoms or who believe that their agenda should take precedence.
In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring studies and educational materials on the "effectiveness or lack thereof of condoms" in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV). This mandate was clearly intended to undermine confidence in condom use as a safeguard against HIV. Conservative groups and advocates continue to argue that sexual education should prioritize teaching abstinence until marriage, leading to doubts and controversy surrounding the need for prevention, a similar approach to the criticism regarding Syringe Programs (Link to article)
The Fearless And a Case for Disinformation
In 2023, 46% of sexually active females and 58% of sexually active males reported using condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. This marks a significant decline from 2013, when 58% of females and 66% of males used condoms. Available studies from the late 1980s indicate a significant increase in condom use during the height of the AIDS crisis, particularly in the United States and among younger populations, with reported usage rates substantially higher than in previous decades, driven by widespread public health campaigns promoting safe sex. Contributing factors to this trend include reduced fear of contracting HIV due to the availability of drugs that prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), inconsistent or outdated sex education, and the perception that condom use diminishes pleasure or intimacy in relationships. This downward trend is also evident among men who have sex with men on dating apps like Grindr, which categorizes condom use under "kinks" rather than "health.
Despite decades of progress, the alarming decline in recent years seems to forget that no drug can replace the preventive benefits of condoms, which also protect against venereal illnesses such as syphilis and gonorrhea, on the rise as a result of the new trend.
Scientists believe that a renewal of open dialogue, updates in sex education, and normalization of the use of condoms are essential in the ongoing fight against AIDS/HIV and other STIs.
