Bill Olson, 2016, 2017

File — Box: 3, Folder: 11

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Bill Olson (b. 1971) mostly grew up in Park City, Utah, in an LDS family with nine siblings. Olson talks about his early memories of AIDS and how people with AIDS were portrayed in the media. He knew from an early age that he was attracted to males. Olson describes his struggles coming to terms with his sexuality as he got older, especially in a religious family and community. He talks about coming out as gay to his family and about telling them about abuse he suffered as achild. After high school, he went to BYUfor two semesterson a cheerleading scholarship. Olson then worked at a gym and competed in Aerobic competitions. Around that time, Olsonstarted getting really sick. He eventually gottested for HIVand found out he was positive. He descries the testing process and the process of being informed of the results. Olson also talks about being treated by Dr. Kristen Ries. He describes the treatment he received and the medications he took. Olson was also involved in clinical trials for new drugs. Eventually, he moved back in with his parents, so they could take care of him. After he started the clinical trial, he started to notice side effects and, when his blood was tested, he was undetectable.
Interviewed by Elizabeth Clement. This folder contains transcripts from two interview sessions.

Dates

2016
2017

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.