Andrew Velez

Background: Andy is a 50 year old man. His father came from Puerto Rico and his mother was a Jew born in Warsaw. Andy was raised in the Bronx, went to Taft High School, and then City College for a bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree in Modern Psychoanalysis. He also studied at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. He works as an analyst, and has also had a career in book publishing. Andy had relations with men and women since he was 15 or 16, was monogamous while married to his wife of 14 years (now divorced), and has two sons who stay with him on some weekends. Around when his divorce was finalized, he saw a poster for the first ACT UP demonstration in 1987 and went. He also became a leader of Gay Circles, a consciousness raising group for gay men that met at the Community Center. He lives in the Village.

Role in ACT UP: Andy comes to most meetings and actions. He first got involved in the Media Committee. He is now on the Actions Committee.

Specific tasks at the March 13, 1989 meeting: Andy is on the agenda to announce a workshop on sex and philosophy.

Groups/friends at the meeting: Actions Committee, Jay Blotcher, Dan Baker

Additional information: https://actuporalhistory.org/numerical-interviews/045-andrew-velez