6 Men Who Changed the Face of HIV/AIDS

In 2015, Charlie Sheen's HIV diagnosis brought increased attention to the HIV/AIDS pandemic—at least for those who don't live with the disease on a daily basis. While Sheen's admission was powerful and much needed, he represents only the latest figure to increase social consciousness on the issue. Here are six men who changed the face of HIV/AIDS helping us all to understand it's indiscriminate impact.

Rock Hudson

Hollywood leading man, Rock Hudson, was a staple on screens throughout the '50s and '60s. Upon his death on Oct. 2, 1985, much of the public was shocked to know that he was gay and that he had contracted HIV. He became the first well-known celebrity to die from AIDS.

The moment was major for him as he had spent much of his life hiding his sexual orientation from the public for fear that it would ruin his career, and possibly his legacy. Thanks to his admission, though stigma continued, there was increased emphasis on funding for AIDS research and charities after the fact. 

Ryan White

Ryan White was a teenager who became one of the earliest youth and hemophiliac cases during the early years of the AIDS pandemic. He acquired the disease from from a contaminated blood treatment and upon diagnosis was given six months to live.

White’s case rose to prominence when his school, Western Middle School in Russiaville, Ind., recieved pressure from parents and faculty to ban him from returning to the school. His family eventually moved to another town and school and he was greeted by people educated about the disease.

White became known as a poster child for the movement focusing on more AIDS research and awareness. He appeared on TV shows, in interviews, testified before the U.S. Government, spoke with former President Ronald Reagan numerous times, gained the support of celebrities and even played a part in a popular TV movie about his life.

He died on March 29, 1990 from complications but his legacy still lives on through many charities and predominantly through the Ryan White Care Act, the largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. It was passed just four months after his death.

David Kirby

As late as the '90s, the average American had very little idea of just how gristly AIDS was. A major moment of visibility came when photographer Therese Frare captured David Kirby on his deathbed surrounded by his family.

Kirby had been a gay activist in the '80s and understood the importance of documenting the harsh realities of AIDS at the time. He and his family agreed for the photo to be released and in November 1990 it was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine. This was just several months after his death on May 5, 1990.

Naturally, the graphic image captures audiences and received a fair amount of criticism, but after more than 20 years since the photo’s released, it’s estimated that nearly one billion people have seen it through TV shows, magazines and newspapers.

Frare went on to continue documenting the AIDS crisis, check out more of her work here.

Freddie Mercury

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury held his AIDS diagnosis close to his heart for years until just before his death. Despite hounding from the paparazzi and journalists about his condition, he didn’t confirm his status until just a day before his death.

For years he swore those closest to him to secrecy and continued performing and recording music until it was impossible to continue. Despite his sexuality always being a topic of interest by the general public, he was the first major rock star to make a statement on the disease and, unfortunately, succumb to it.

Magic Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, was a major Lakers basketball player in the '80s, winning five championships during his tenure. In 1991, he held a press conference and revealed his HIV status along with an announcement of his retirement.

His openness shifted the mainstream conversation of AIDS being a strictly white, gay epidemic. It was important that he set the tone because the Black community today continues to be at ever high risk for HIV diagnoses than most other populations, regardless of sexual orientation.

Johnson continues to be a testament that those living with HIV can live long, healthy lives with effective health care and owning their status.

Eazy-E

Profiled in the recent NWA biopic, Straight Outta Compton, rapper Eazy-E’s diagnosis sent shockwaves through the hip-hop industry. The revered musician (and his groupmates) were rap titans and he represented a realer face of the Black community upon the reveal in 1995.

As a straight man in the often hypermasculine arena of rap, his death brought attention in a very real way to the high numbers of Black HIV infections rates that continue to exist today.