Bruce Voeller

Bruce Raymond Voeller (May 12, 1934 – February 13, 1994) was a biologist and researcher, primarily in the field of AIDS, and gay rights activist. In 1973 he co-founded the National Gay Task Force. In 1977, the now renamed National LGBTQ Task Force held the first-ever meeting at the White House with President Jimmy Carter marking the first time openly gay and lesbian leaders were welcomed there, and the first official discussion of gay and lesbian rights in the White House. Within the first few years of the AIDS pandemic Voeller coined the term acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) which we use to this day.

Early life and education Voeller was born in Minneapolis and raised in Oregon. When he was at school, he was assured by a school counselor that he was not homosexual, even though he had felt such feelings very early on.

Voeller graduated with a bachelor's degree from Reed College in 1956. He married Kytja Scott Voeller, Troy Perry, Jean O'Leary, Elaine Noble, George Raya and Pokey Anderson. He also founded the Mariposa Foundation, which specializes in sex research, and sexually transmitted diseases.

In 1973, Bruce Voeller, as president of the Gay Activists Alliance, complained to Jack Paar and ABC about remarks and terminology that the organization regarded as derogatory toward gay people. Paar subsequently invited Voeller and fellow GAA members Arnie Kantrowitz and Nathalie Rockhill to appear on the March 8 broadcast of Jack Paar Tonite. The discussion became contentious as Paar defended some of his language and views about homosexuality, while the activists challenged anti-gay terminology and stereotypes.

In the early 1980s, AIDS was known by various names, including GRIDD (Gay Related Immune Defense Disorder). Because this term was inaccurate, Voeller coined the term acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The SNM is the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and history, while The Wall's unveiling was timed to take place during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.