Kansas City PBS explores the history of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Kansas City and the ongoing fight against the epidemic in two new chapters of AIDS in KC airing Thursday, June 27, starting at 7 p.m. on Kansas City PBS Channel 19.1.
“AIDS in KC shares the untold local perspective of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the ongoing efforts to protect people from a now preventable and treatable virus,” said Kliff Kuehl, Kansas City PBS president and CEO. “Kansas City PBS is honored to showcase these local narratives and support creators who make programs like this possible.”
From filmmakers Sandy Woodson and Emily Woodring, AIDS in KC is a limited series that spans the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the absence of government intervention, grassroots organizers and the local people who continue to rally against the virus. This June, the series returns to the air to further examine the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and invite viewers to investigate the next steps in completely eradicating the virus from our communities. The first two chapters of AIDS in KC are available to stream at kansascitypbs.org/aidsinkc.
"I'm doing this series to honor those who have died and those who survived and to preserve the history for those who come after,” said Woodson.
The two new chapters, “On Our Way” and “Getting to Zero,” take viewers on a journey from 1992 Kansas City to today, highlighting Kansas City’s impressive record of influential comrades in the fight against HIV/AIDS. From signature fundraisers like Dining by Design and Flo’s Sunday Beer Bust to present-day movements aiming for a world with zero HIV/AIDS infections or deaths, AIDS in KC chronicles the life-saving efforts to end the epidemic and the personal histories and sacrifices behind the advocacy.
“All of these people in this community worked hard against all odds and with very little support. Somebody needs to say to them, ‘You did an amazing thing when you guys pulled all this stuff together, and people need to know about it,’” Woodson said.
“Sandy and I have been working on AIDS in KC since 2022, and each new chapter of the film reminds me of how important these stories are and how many viewers are learning this history for the first time,” said Woodring.
AIDS in KC Spotlight Screening
Join Kansas City PBS for a Spotlight screening of AIDS in KC, including all four chapters, on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The event will feature a screening for all four series chapters and a panel discussion with the filmmakers. The event is free, but RSVP is required at kansascitypbs.org/events.
AIDS in KC is necessary viewing for anyone looking to learn more about the evolution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the resilience and self-determination of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about the series, visit kansascitypbs.org/aidsinkc.