Les Taylor

Les Taylor was a New Zealand-born socialist, trade unionist, and gay activist who became a prominent HIV/AIDS advocate in Melbourne from the late 1980s. He co-founded AIDS Resources Contact, a forerunner to People Living With AIDS (now Living Positive Victoria) , and was a founding member of the AZT Task Force, organising major candlelight vigils and marches for HIV awareness. Deeply committed to the rights of workers and people with HIV, Les played an important role in connecting the trade union and HIV movements. He died at home after a long struggle with AIDS, remembered as a determined activist and community figure.