Learn about the Gateway to Pride Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum [Video]

ST. LOUIS — Five On Your Side is partnering with the Missouri History Museum for an exhibit which showcases St. Louis’ gay culture.

One of the artifacts is a foam coffin Greg Gerhart built during the AIDS crisis of the 1980’s. Gerhart was a member of ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, an international grassroots political group that worked to end the AIDS pandemic.

“We used it as a prop in demonstrations,” said Gerhart. “Sometimes two people – usually me being one of them – would carry it over our heads during demonstrations. It was a strong visual – carrying away the bodies of the dead. I hope when people see it, they think about what had to happen to get us to where we are, today.”

The coffin …