World AIDS Day

Remembering Some Lost To The Names + Faces HIV/AIDS

In observance of World AIDS Day, let us pause to light a candle for the countless lives lost during the height of the AIDS epidemic and to celebrate those who continue to live, survive, and thrive despite the virus.

This day stands as a poignant reminder of the profound impact HIV/AIDS has had on the world, especially within the LGBTQ and creative communities. It is a legacy of loss, resilience, and unbreakable solidarity.

Below is a list of remarkable individuals whose lives were tragically cut short by HIV/AIDS, whether directly or indirectly. Each name carries a story of creativity, courage, and the enduring spirit of humanity.

• Al Parker (1958–1994)

• Althea Flynt (1953–1987)

• Alvin Ailey (1931–1989)

• Anthony Perkins (1932-1992)

• Arthur Ashe (1943-1993)

• Bill Sherwood (1952–1990)

• Bobby DeBarge (1956–1995)

• Brad Davis (1949-1991)

• Carlos Almaraz (1941-1989)

• Charlie Barnett (1954–1996)

• Chuck Holmes (1945–2000)

• Cookie Mueller (1949-1989)

• Dack Rambo (1941–1994)

• Dan Hartman (1950–1994)

• David Robilliard (1952-1988)

• David Wojnarowicz (1954-1992)

• Denholm Elliott (1922-1992)

• Derek Jarman (1942-1994)

• Eazy-E (1963–1995)

• Elizabeth Glaser (1947–1994)

• Eric Stryker (1954–1988)

• Essex Hemphill (1957-1995)

• Fela Kuti (1938-1997)

• Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996)

• Fred Halsted (1941–1989)

• Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)

• Gene Anthony Ray (1962–2003)

• Gia Carangi (1960-1986)

• Gil Scott-Heron (1949–2011)

• Halston (1932-1990)

• Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993)

• Herb Ritts (1952–2002)

• Howard Ashman (1950-1991)

• Howard Rollins (1950–1996)

• Hugo Soto (1953–1994)

• Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)

• Jack Smith (1932–1989)

• John Curry (1949–1994)

• John Holmes (1944–1988)

• John Sex (1956-1990)

• Karen Dior (1967–2004)

• Keith Christopher (1957–1998)

• Keith Haring (1958-1990)

• Kenny Greene (1969-2001)

• Kevin Peter Hall (1955–1991)

• Klaus Nomi (1944-1983)

• Larry Kert (1930–1991)

• Larry Kramer (1935–2020)

• Leigh Bowery (1961–1994)

• Leonard Matlovich (1943–1988)

• Leslie Graves (1959–1995)

• Liberace (1919-1987)

• Marlon Riggs (1957-1994)

• Melvin Dixon (1950-1992)

• Michael Bennett (1943-1987)

• Michael Callen (1955-1993)

• Michael Friedman (1975–2017)

• Michael Jeter (1952–2003)

• Michael Peters (1948–1994)

• Michel Foucault (1926-1984)

• Michael Sklar (1944-1984)

• Néstor Almendros (1930–1992)

• Ofra Haza (1957-2000)

• Patrick Cowley (1950-1982)

• Paul Monette (1945–1995)

• Paul Jabara (1948-1992)

• Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)

• Perry Ellis (1940-1986)

• Peter Adair (1943–1996)

• Peter Allen (1944–1992)

• Peter Hujar (1934-1987)

• Randy Shilts (1951–1994)

• Ray Sharkey (1952–1993)

• Reinaldo Arenas (1943–1990)

• René Enríquez (1933–1990)

• Richard A. Heyman (1935–1994)

• Rick Aviles (1952–1995)

• Ricky Ray (1977–1992)

• Robert Ray (1978–2000)

• Randy Ray (1979–2023)

• Ricky Wilson (1953-1985)

• Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989)

• Robert Reed (1932–1992)

• Rock Hudson (1925-1985)

• Roy Cohn (1927–1986)

• Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993)

• Ryan White (1971–1990)

• Sean Sasser (1968-2013)

• Steve Rubell (1943–1989)

• Sylvester (1947-1988)

• Timothy Patrick Murphy (1959–1988)

• Tina Chow (1950-1992)

• Tom Fogerty (1941–1990)

• Tom McBride (1952–1995)

• Tom Waddell (1937-1987)

• Tony Richardson (1928-1991)

• Victor Hugo (1948–1994)

• Vito Russo (1946-1990)

• Vittorio Scarpati (1953–1989)

• Wayland Flowers (1939-1988)

• Willi Smith (1948-1987)

The artists, musicians, writers, activists, and public figures listed above have left an indelible mark on our culture and history, continuing to inspire those living with HIV as survivors and thrivers.

Openly sharing their HIV-positive status, they challenge stigma, foster understanding, and highlight the vital importance of compassion and continued advocacy.

The following list includes a few courageous public figures whose journeys educate, inspire, and pave the way toward a brighter, stigma-free future.

• Aiden Shaw (born 1966)

• Andrew Sullivan (born 1963)

• Andy Bell (born 1964)

• Bill T. Jones (born 1952)

• Billy Porter (born 1969)

• Charlie Sheen (born 1965)

• Conchita Wurst (born 1988)

• Danny Pintauro (born 1976)

• Greg Louganis (born 1960)

• Holly Johnson (born 1960)

• Jim J. Bullock (born 1955)

• Jonathan Van Ness (born 1987)

• Magic Johnson (born 1959)

• Ongina (born 1982)

• Rudy Galindo (born 1969)

• Tom Bianchi (born 1945)

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RECOMMENDED LINKS

• What Is The AIDS Memorial Quilt? (National AIDS Memorial)

• List of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths registered by region (Wikipedia)

• Memorial Stories (National AIDS Memorial)

• Those We Lost to the AIDS Epidemic (The New York Times)