Following a screening of AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman at the Los Angeles LGBT Center on Sept. 14, a panel of activists gathered to reflect on Norman’s life and enduring legacy as a leader of the LGBTQ+ movement in Los Angeles.
The film, directed by Dante Alencastre, tells the story of Norman’s time as activist and spokesperson for ACT UP/LA during the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and ‘90s. Known for her outspoken and confrontational style, Norman was unafraid to confront those who disagreed with her—including public officials and decision-makers who dragged their feet in responding to the ongoing public health crisis.
“She would bellow on the bullhorn, but [off the mic] she was so gentle and gracious. She not only shared so much vulnerability from her own life, but was really good at getting all of us to share our own stories,” recalled Robin Podolsky, a former ACT UP/LA member and longtime friend of Norman’s.
“Her humanity is what made her effective,” said Torie Osborn, Norman’s friend and a former executive director of the Center. “It was her ability to step up to a microphone and be angry, and at the same time be human and loving and kind.”
Her humanity is what made her effective … her ability to step up to a microphone and be angry, and at the same time be human and loving and kind.
Torie Osborn, former executive director, Los Angeles LGBT Center
In addition to her work with ACT UP, Norman hosted The Connie Norman Show, the first radio talk show hosted by a gay rights activist in the Los Angeles area. She also co-hosted a weekly cable television show where she frequently confronted those with opposing views.
Speakers highlighted Norman’s ability to embody contradictions—raw anger paired with deep compassion, vulnerability and defiance—and described how those unfiltered emotions fueled the movement.
Norman died in 1996 of complications from AIDS, but in many ways, her tactics feel more relevant now than ever. “We’re talking about fascism now, and Connie would listen carefully—and then fight back,” said Osborn. “We need something like ACT UP again.”
For filmmaker Dante Alencastre, Norman continues to be a personal guidepost: “Finding Connie gave me purpose, solace, and determination to keep going,” he said. “That’s what Connie says in the film: You have to do the work. You have to wake up every morning and say, What can I do today to change what’s going on?”
This event was part of a series of events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the City of West Hollywood. It was supported in part by an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood and hosted by the Center’s Senior Services program.
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