The LGBTQ+ activist and founding director of Visual AIDS died on 23 March at a Manhattan hospital from AIDS-related causes. During his years as founding director of Visual AIDS, a title he held in the organisation from 1980 until 1995, O’Connell was instrumental in their efforts to use art and artist’s works to advocate for people with HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness of the epidemic.
In one of his most notable campaigns, O’Connell spearhead the iconic 1991 Red Ribbon Project to show support for those with AIDS and their caregivers.
The ribbon is now the internationally recognised symbol for AIDS awareness, and is worn year after year to show solidarity with people living with HIV and to remember the millions of lives lost due to