Opened in 1986 by Keith Haring himself, the Pop Shop sold goods he personally designed. These items can be seen as an extension of his work, each carrying messages and concepts unique to Haring.

Established in 1988 as a day to celebrate people who openly express their sexual orientation and gender identity, National Coming Out Day. Openly gay, Keith Haring created a work that became a symbol of this day.

Founded in New York in March 1987, ACT UP is an organization supporting people living with HIV. In 1989, Keith Haring created Silence = Death to protest government indifference to the AIDS crisis and supported the movement as a member of ACT UP.