The Center for the Study of Political Graphics assembled the poster display Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes from 20 years of the struggle for queer equality. The oppression of women and gays crosses class, race, ethnic, and gender lines. Sexism and homophobia are violations of human rights, though the media underplay them. Whether institutionalized through legislation or culturally through physical violence or psychological oppression, these forms of prejudice and discrimination are deeply rooted. Despite decades of positive role models engendered by the women's and gay liberation movements, discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation continues.
Recent gains remain tentative and subject to reversal.
Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes juxtaposes old and new posters in dramatic and bold visual styles in order to document the ongoing international struggle to secure freedom from gender-role discrimination. The purposeful exposure of these controversial issues is intended to stimulate thought and debate and to show the importance of art in communicating both problems and potential solutions. Since that time, it has become the most powerful symbol of the devastation caused by the AIDS pandemic and an extremely effective educational tool. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is widely recognized for its profound impact on people's attitude toward the disease and those affected by it. In 1989, the Quilt was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.