David Kirby (activist)

The picture was later used by United Colors of Benetton in an advertising campaign, with the permission of Kirby's family, who felt that its use would show the devastating effects of AIDS.

[3] While a patient at Pater Noster House, a hospice for people with AIDS,[4] Kirby established a relationship with Therese Frare, a college student from Ohio University.

[5] Following the Life publication, the Kirby family allowed the clothing company United Colors of Benetton to use the image in a 1992 advertising campaign, feeling that its story would reach a worldwide audience.

Fallout from the campaign came from many sources, including the Catholic Church which felt that the image was an inappropriate allusion to artistic imagery of the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.

Patient stories like David Kirby helped further the AIDS Action Now movement by shining a light on the hidden political motivations, beliefs, and policies embedded within society and the medical field.

[6] They advocated for the right to inclusion and bodily autonomy and made clear their ability to withhold or withdraw consent and participation in research and medical trials at any time.