AIDS Melee Erupts at S.F. Opera Opening

The glittery opening night of the opera season was thrown into turmoil Friday when scores of AIDS protesters marched down the aisles of the opera house and a pushing, slugging melee broke out.

As the curtain went up, 50 to 100 protesters “started down the aisles blowing police whistles and carrying a large banner that said, ‘We’re queer and we’re here! Stop AIDS now!’ ” a witness said.