Daniel Fielding

The audio broadcast from May 13, 1989, features Daniel Fielding in an interview conducted by Peter Duncan for Gay BC, a program on Wellington Access Radio. This broadcast, part one of a two-part interview, delves deeply into the early years of the AIDS epidemic and Fielding’s personal experiences. At the time, Fielding was involved with the People with AIDS Collective, and the discussion touches on the community's reaction to the sudden appearance of AIDS, public perceptions, and medical responses.

Fielding begins by recalling the initial shock when AIDS, first known as Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID), emerged in the early 1980s. Living in Australia, he was aware of the disease's devastating impact in the United States but didn’t believe it would affect him or reach New Zealand. After returning to New Zealand in 1983, Fielding and his partner, having no significant symptoms, decided to get tested for the virus. Fielding reflects on the fear and uncertainty that came with testing positive for HIV at a time when public knowledge about the virus was limited, and the media often portrayed it as a death sentence.

Support networks were scarce in the early days, but Fielding recalls joining a small group of HIV-positive individuals in Wellington. This group, while informal, was invaluable for the emotional support and solidarity it provided. He describes how these meetings, often casual gatherings for tea and conversation, were crucial in helping members cope with the psychological and social challenges of living with HIV.

The discussion shifts to theories about the origins and transmission of AIDS. Fielding dismisses the controversial “Patient Zero” narrative, popularised in Randy Shilts’ book "And the Band Played On", as a cruel simplification of the epidemic’s spread. He expresses skepticism about early theories linking AIDS to conditions like syphilis or poppers, though he acknowledges that certain treatments, such as the use of a typhoid vaccine, were being explored with some success.

Fielding highlights the importance of HIV testing, noting that while in the early 1980s there were few treatments available, by the late 1980s, testing had become more crucial. AZT, the first antiretroviral drug, had shown some promise, and Fielding advocates for early testing so individuals could begin treatments like AZT before serious symptoms developed. He explains that preventing opportunistic infections, like Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), and starting treatment early were key to prolonging life.

Regarding the broader medical response, Fielding speaks highly of the care he received at Wellington’s Ward 26, noting the dedication and expertise of the medical staff. However, he also describes some of the institutional challenges and prejudices faced by people with AIDS. For example, hospitals initially required visitors to wear protective gear when visiting AIDS patients, a practice Fielding and others worked to change. Fielding shares his frustration with bureaucratic resistance but expresses pride in eventually achieving reforms, such as eliminating the use of disposable plastic cutlery for AIDS patients in hospitals, a practice he viewed as unnecessary and stigmatising.

Fielding discusses the role of the National Council on AIDS, an advisory body that was preparing a national strategy on AIDS, which would shape New Zealand’s approach to the epidemic in the coming years. However, he criticises the government’s public education campaigns, arguing that efforts to educate the general population were less effective than targeted campaigns aimed at high-risk groups, particularly gay men.

In the latter part of the interview, Fielding explores the potential benefits of alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and meditation, in managing stress—a significant factor in the progression from HIV to AIDS. Though initially skeptical, he came to believe in the value of these therapies for stress reduction, which he considered essential for managing his condition. However, Fielding expresses caution about unproven treatments like ozone therapy and intravenous vitamin C, stating that while he was aware of these options, he hadn’t been convinced enough to try them.

The recording concludes with information about local HIV/AIDS support services in Wellington, including the Gay Switchboard and the Āwhina Clinic, where people could seek anonymous counselling and testing. The conversation offers a powerful glimpse into the early years of the AIDS epidemic in New Zealand and the personal struggles faced by those living with the virus during a time of great uncertainty and fear.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Daniel Fielding Peter Duncan

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