Patient Zero
Hundreds of thousands of people have died of AIDS in the United States since the mid-1980s. Is it true that one man’s shame was the cause of it all?
Shame is complicated. The first episode of Shame Rules! explores the story of Gaetan Dugas - the “Patient Zero of AIDS” in North America - and explores a theory that a shame-fueled rage caused him to intentionally spread the disease to dozens of other men. Along the way we’ll touch on topics related to internalized homophobia, conversion therapy, Typhoid Mary, cluster studies, and typewriter therapy.
Resources
Patient Zero and the Making of the AIDS Epidemic by Dr. Richard A. McKay
(Enter code “McKay20” at checkout for 20% off.)
Killing Patient Zero from Director Laurie Lynd
“Patient Zero” - 60 Minutes story with interviews with Randy Shilts and Dr. Selma Dritz (11/15/87)
The Narcissist and the Shame-Rage Spiral - Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Brigham Young University Electroshock Documentary
Changing Our Minds: The Story of Dr. Evelyn Hooker (audio from shock therapy scene)
Typhoid Mary: Captive to the Public’s Health by Judith Walzer Leavitt
And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts
H.I.V. Arrived in the U.S. Long Before ‘Patient Zero’ - The New York Times, 10/26/16
Shame and Guilt by Dr. June Tangney and Rhonda L. Dearing
Production Team
Shame Rules! is an Epiphonic production
Written and Produced by Nick Jaworski
Cover art and episode art by Arning Echano
Theme music by Hot Dad