A new book by Shreveport native Dr. David Hylan documents one of the most significant yet overlooked chapters of Louisiana history, featuring strong connections to Natchitoches and three men whose lives became intertwined through activism, friendship, and the fight against AIDS.
Small Town Rage: Fighting Back in the Deep South chronicles the story of ACT UP Shreveport and the activists, allies, healthcare professionals, and ordinary citizens who challenged fear, stigma, and political indifference during the AIDS crisis. Based on more than a decade of interviews, archival research, and firsthand accounts, the book expands upon the award-winning documentary Small Town Rage and preserves an important chapter of regional history.
Among those featured in the book are Chris Free, Gary Cathey, and Justin Normand, all of whom have ties to Natchitoches and were members of ACT UP Shreveport.
Chris Free’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of the AIDS epidemic. Free later died from AIDS-related complications, and his story is among those preserved in the book to ensure that his life and contributions are not forgotten.
The book also highlights the experiences of Gary Cathey, whose story is prominently featured in Chapter 6, Silence and Exposure. The chapter examines the controversial 1992 outing of Congressman Jim McCrery and Cathey’s central role in those events. His reflections provide one of the book’s most compelling accounts of the personal costs of activism in the Deep South.
Justin Normand, who serves as one of the coordinators of the book’s official launch and reunion event, represents the continuing effort to preserve the history of those who fought for dignity, treatment, and equal rights during the AIDS crisis.
“The history of the AIDS crisis is often associated with major cities,” said Hylan. “But the epidemic touched communities throughout Louisiana, including Natchitoches. The courage and determination of people from smaller communities deserve to be remembered.”
The official launch and reunion event for Small Town Rage will be held Saturday, June 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Central Art Station in downtown Shreveport.
The book features a foreword by award-winning writer and longtime HIV activist Mark S. King and is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats wherever books are sold.
