Reminiscent of some of ACT UP’s most powerful visuals, Polo Gomez, 43, wore a crown of needles holding what he said was his own HIV-infected blood during a protest against the increasing prices of AIDS treatment, in Mexico City, on June 18, 2008. Mexico City is currently hosting the International AIDS Conference.

AIDS activist Polo Gomez crown of needles

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)


Polo Gomez

The writing on his chest says “VIH-SIDA EMERGENCIA NACIONAL,” or “HIV/AIDS National Emergency.”

Do the pictures make you cringe? Do they make you sad? Angry? There’s no doubting they make you think.