My husband found out he was HIV positive during a Doctors visit in 1990. We had 2 babies at that time. He was not gay. He traced it back to an old girlfriend before we met. At that time they treated people with AZT. He died 1996. My children and I tested negative- I’m now 67 and my kids are 33 and 35. Heartbreaking to lose a husband / daddy and praising God we dodged a bullet.

What this post does to me is that I have to feel blessed. I have been positive since 1988. I'm 60 years old, and I'm still here.

My mother died of cancer in 1980. Back in the 70s, cancer was like AIDS. Basically a death sentence. Her last words, before slipping into a coma were..."what will happen to you when I am dead and gone?". Those words have haunted me for more than 40 years. My kids (adults now) often point to her pic on the wall and express great remorse that they never got to see her. But I have moved on..even though the scars remain. When you lose your mother you are like a boat without a rudder...tossed endlessly in the Sea of Despair. Moving everywhere and getting nowhere...

The most painful thing about this disease is that some of the people who got infected with HIV was infected through blood transfusions. That is extremely sad and devastating

I had blood transfusion when had my twins in 1980 in SF bay area. AIDS was barely known. I recived letter i may have contracted AIDS. Imagine the JOY of surprise twins and then to get that letter. GOD choose to spare us-- praise Him!!! Im here 43 yrs later!

My mom Alice Ann Taylor-Dick was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in late 1992, she contracted it from an emergency blood transfusion in 1979, she passed away on July 15,1993 at 5pm.

A close friend of mine contracted hiv around 2010, never told anyone and didnt get any treatment. In 2017 he got full blown AIDS and rushed the hospital due to brain infection. It was just miraculous that the doctors managed to save him and brought him out of aids (still hiv+) in 6 months, in and out of wards. Now he is healthy for years, undetected. So please get yourself tested regularly, take the medication early. Dont let stigma affect your lives, be brave and live your own beautiful lives.

I lost my best friend to AIDS three years ago. She and her husband were applying for life insurance, and it was discovered he contracted HIV, and he passed it on to her. They didn't seek treatment, and died two years after diagnosis. I wish they had the courage to get treatment because they would still be here; it's no longer a death sentence. I miss them both so much everyday.

I had to have a blood trans fusion in 1982 after surgery. I cried and actually fought the nurses. They had to call my husband to calm me down. I am a Librarian and had read many articles about transmission of AIDS by blood transfusions, even then. I lost the fight and had to receive the transfusion anyway. I prayed that God would protect me and he did. 40!years and I’m still here.

It's scary how a blood transfusion can save your life then give you a new death sentence. My heart goes to all the HIV/AIDS victims. We need more awareness about this as there is still a stigma looming around this illness.

I’ve lost three people to HIV complications and full blown AIDS. One passed in the 80s, one in the 90s, and the last person passed in 2000s. It never got an easier and I miss them terribly. They were amazing people.

No one talks about Charlie sheen being positive and still laying it low & spreading it wide😂😂🤔

Moral of the story, know your status as well as your partners. And always use protection. STI testing is a must when you've completed one relationship before beginning another. Let's take care of ourselves and each other.

Blood transfusion is the saddest thing that happened to all who got hiv 😢😢

They failed to include Alexis Arquette. Died September 11th, 2016. Battled HIV for 29 years before succumbing to an AIDS-related heart attack at the age of 47.

There is STILL A LOT of stigma around HIV/AIDS. Sending love and prayers to those that suffer(ed) in silence. Please know you are loved and SEEN♥

I know of a girl who died at 26,.She was afraid to get medical treatment.This happened about 4 years ago 2018-2022.....SO PEOPLE DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET HELP. .......TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF...❤❤❤❤❤

My uncle contracted HIV in the navy in 1988. He is now in his 60s, still alive. Thanks to the meds of today.

It’s actually CRAZY that I had no idea this many well-known people lost their lives to this horrible disease. It’s so heartbreaking to see how many people kept it secret even from their families until the very last minute. The shame these people must have felt….shame that was absolutely unwarranted. You shouldn’t have to hide an illness because of fear of judgement. I’m glad things have gotten a bit better for those with HIV/AIDS, but we could do SO much better. Remember…these are people. People with goals, hopes, dreams, families, friends. They need all the love and support they can get, just like someone suffering with any other life-threatening disease. Reading these comments and seeing stories of victims of the disease, or those who had family members pass due to the disease is….it’s really heartbreaking, but it really humanizes the disease. I thank everyone who shared their stories because I’ve learned so much and I will do my best to help break the stigma in any way I can. I do not have HIV/AIDS, but I will NEVER forget these people who lost their lives. ❤

Ryan White died of aids because of a blood transfusion because he had hemophilia. I will never ever forget him he had a such a beautiful heart and. soul. God Bless You and may you REST IN PEACE.

THIS WAS MY BIGGEST FEAR A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS IN HOSPITAL DYING FROM SICKLE CELL AND BAD UTI...THEY GAVE ME 24 HOURS AND MY NEXT OF KIN SIGNED FOR IT..I WAS GONNA LET MYSELF DIE CUZ ALOT OF PEOPLE GOT AIDS FROM BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS...HERE I AM TEN YEAR'S LATER

This could have been me because I was born in 1983 at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and was given a blood transfusion given to me after I was born prematurely. May they all rest in peace 🙏🏾

I just feel for everyone that gets this disease, no one should get HIV/AIDS or any other disease for that matter.

The records show most of them who died were diagnosed HIV Positive in the mid-late 1980s and died shortly thereafter eh. It was basically a death sentence back then. Magic Johnson is one of the lucky ones still alive and looking healthy to this day.

Back in the 80's I worked as an R.N. in an AIDS hospital wing. Quite a positive experience - people are REAL when they know they've got terminal illness. So glad it can be treated now! HIV positivite is no longer a death sentence!

These people died slowly, painfully and stigmatized. No one deserves what these people suffered

My heart goes out to all who was infected by this terrible disease God bless

Philly a Ugandan artist and a first person who came in public to announce that he’s HIV positive…he helped to teach young people in and out how to protect themselves 😞.Rest easy Philly 🕊️🕊️🕊️

I miss Freddie Mercury's undeniable talent!

My Grandmothers best friend died of AIDS not long after it was discovered. She had knee replacement surgery and received tainted blood in the early 80's.

my cousin and best friend past in 99,complications related to HIV, L.D was 34, beautiful soul, I miss you!!❤🕊May they all RIP🕊

Heartbreaking, just heartbreaking. Ryan White was the most heartbreaking one. He went through so much for someone so young. Thank you Elton John for all you did for him.

My sister passed of cardiac arrest due to HIV she got from blood transfusion, just before they tested for more than just hepatitis from blood donations. Her husband to this day~34yrs later~ still lives HIV positive without ever being ill & able to recover from colds/flu in normal time. So you don't have to be gay or drug attic or a s*x attic to fall victim to this killer. Be Safe Be Healthy Be Happy

And RIP Robbin Crosby (AUG. 4, 1959 - June 6, 2002), the famous Hard Rock guitarist in the band RATT, He had HIV and died from the complications of it.

The blood transfusion ones are crazy. They should sue the hospital. It's insane. Rip

All these people died YOUNG 😞 So young. I can’t believe it. It breaks my heart in pieces 😫😫😫😭😭😭

I've been hiv for 16 years I walked 16 miles 3 days ago

Ryan White was a huge name in the media during his time with AIDS all the way to his death. He had non-stop coverage and you could learn about what happened to him at least once a week in the news. During his last weeks on Earth he had Elton John at his side who helped care for him. He wrote a really touching letter to Ryan White just before he died. He then performed a song at his funeral. All that was a huge media event.

My infant son received a blood transfusion in early 1985 - I was so scared at the time, but he was fine.

It's crazy the majority of the people on the list died in their 40s.

All those people who got AIDS in the eighties and nineties and where treated horrible by others. In the beginning nobody knew how it was passed on. So people didn’t want to come near a person with this gruesome disease. No hugs, no affection, no kisses. And when they died, the bodies where buried in special sections. That is why most people kept it to themselves until they almost died. Poor souls. They should have been hugged and hold tight.

You forgot about one musician. Cazuza was a Brazillian singer born in 1958, he got diagnosed with Aids HIV In 1985, he was on openly bisexual. He later died on July 7, 1990 at the age of 32 due to a septic shock related to Aids. That musician was too young and too talented. R.I.P.

My thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with all who have suffered because of this terrible disease ❤❤

Still a lot of stigma around hiv/aids my heart goes out too anyone who is suffering from it, much ❤️ God bless you all 🙏🏾💞

Rest in peace to all those lost lives to the AIDS outbreak 😢

My mom and grandmother passed from this aids related complications sleep well ladies you are missed❤

I was born in 81 and never heard anything about aids until I was like 11 when my friends mom passed away from aids. Her mom had contracted aids from her half sister dad who also passed and the little girl who was born with it is still living I believe.

A lot of people forget Wayne Cooper from the band Cameo. He was one of the earliest "celebs" to die from AIDS in 1984.

A reoccurring theme was that those who got in front of the disease, and became advocates prolonged their life or made a lasting impact to the fight against its spread & stigmatization; where as, those who kept it private, suffered in silence, and ultimately hastened their deaths. HIV/AIDS is still one of the toughest battles to find yourself in & I won’t pass judgment on those who choose to keep it private. I just hope everyone who is fighting, has the integrity to disclose to potential partners. My heart absolutely broke for those who got it through blood transfusions.

Omitted: Kevin Peter Hall is best known as The Predator...died in 1991 at age of 35

This is one of the reasons why celibacy is a way of life for me today❤️🙏🏾. Let’s practice safer sex or abstain.. may their souls rest in peace!

You should have added that Amanda Blake also received an AIDS infected blood transfusion. She was a favorite actress of our family's.

If I may, I would respectably like to add a few more. Michael Sundin, who was a Blue Peter (British TV show) presenter- Died 1987. Michael Staniforth, who was Mr Claypole in Rentaghost (British TV show) Died 1989. Geoffrey Burrige, who played Dorian in the episode of Blakes 7 (yes, another UK show) entitled Rescue-Died 1989. Michael Carmine, who was an actor who appeared in Batteries Not Included and Leviathan. Died 1989. Never forgotten and RIP lads.

My father had throat cancer back in 2012. He used to live in Delhi for work at a government job in DDA(India). My mother and i were living in our village. I was the youngest child in my family with an elder sister and brother. Things took turn as my mother died in December 2013. She had a cardiac arrest as she took it more on her heart knowing about my father's fatal disease.I was only 10 at that time. My father also died in january 2014. I lost my parents in a one month span. I wasn't aware that time that what i lost. But as soon as i turned 14 i started to realize the importance of parents in one's life. I used to cry all nights then. I have never believe in God and still i don't have faith in anyone. The world is so unfair man. So get rejoice if you have a family and give them time. Build memories, laugh uncontrollably, cry hard sometimes and take care of what you got. Most love from INDIA to everyone here❤

That's why blood transfusions are super strict these days

When starskys wife and child got it from a blood transfusion, my heart broke then when EZ died so very young I was so shocked. Been with my husband since 1986 and our loyalty to each other during this has been such a gift. My heart goes out to all the families.

These celebrities are sorely missed. Good tributes. Glad many of them helped to raise awareness about HIV.

Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) got the AIDS virus from her new husband a guy that was a well known gay in my home town.

My uncle was one of the first people in my state to test positive in the 70s. he was in a bad car accident,that killed his fiance who was heavily pregnant. He had to have multiple blood transfusions and tested positive shortly thereafter. He passed at 23yrs old and only 18 months after the accident. My family feels if his fiance/baby would have survived he probably wouldn't have passed so quickly,but he just kind of gave up. I hope they were reunited as a family again ❤🥲

The late 80s/ early 90s were tough 😢

Finally someone remembered to put Klaus Nomi in the list. It’s really disappointing we didn’t get to see him reach his fullest potential. I’ve watched the Nomi Song (the documentary movie) so many times, his time here was short but absolutely amazing and fascinating. Love it.

A lot of these people didn't say they had this terrible disease and we didn't find out as fans until they passed. I think it is sad. * John Holmes however didn't say anything and was still sleeping with people unprotected. What a evil person he was.

My uncle died of Aids in 1990, I remember the 80's and the epidemic.

These brave people paved the way for all of us today that are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS so we wouldn't have to go thru the horrors that they did back then and as someone who is undetectable and currently living with HIV today, I'm so grateful for their bravery and courage that they so brilliantly displayed when the disease was so stigmatized back then no one wanted to disclose that they were suffering from HIV or AIDS bc of the horrific way the general public treated them. It's not a lot better today due to people's ignorance about the disease. Much love, thanks and respect to the old school pioneers always! May they all RIP 😇 you are loved❤️ Thank you too all but especially to Ryan White bc it is thanks to him living and dying from AIDS and enduring a LOT OF IGNORANT people that harassed him relentlessly. It's thanks to him that his parents found it in their heart to form the national Ryan White organization so HIV AIDS patients could afford the medications needed to treat the disease. God bless them! Idk what the job AIDS community would've done without these amazing souls.. Much respect❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ People, though in general, are horrible in my opinion, bc of their ignorance and foul treatment of people who were diagnosed with the detrimental illness. Thankfully, it is no longer a death sentence with the right medications that the Ryan White organization paved the way for so that all of us even today, could afford the meds needed to combat the stigmatized illnesses.

Celibacy until marriage and getting tested before consumation is best way to go, but to know many of these people contracted it from a blood transfusion is just phucked up! Growing up in the 80's 90's era made us tough because we've been through so many social and political wars by the time this current era came around.

I delivered premature triplets in 2002.During an emergency C-section i developed an amniotic embolism and needed transfusions.I thank Jesus that he was there with me and my babies. I was scared for awhile due to the transfusion and my babies transfusions. thank you Jesus🙏🏽❤️

A figure skater that didn’t make this list was Canadian ice dancer Rob McCall. He and his skating partner Tracy Wilson won the bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics.

Too bad they couldn't find a human voice to narrate this vid. Otherwise good vid. My late uncle died from aids in 1980s. RIP Brucie

In NYC was catastrophic. I knew acquaintances and friends, 23 who died of AIDS.

My Prayers Are With All These Men And Women That Contacted AIDS Back In The 1980 It Was Just A Terrible Disease No Cure At The Time So Much Sufferings May They All Rest In Peace

Gia Marie Carangi was a beautiful model who had a very rough life.

Marcelino Sánchez who played Rembrandt from the movie, The Warriors passed of AIDS in 1986 at the age of 28. RIP Marcelino.

You guys forgot the disco singer Sylvester you make me feel my body real

The amount of ignorance in the comments is tragic

Lost my uncle Floyd in 1991 he was 27. So full of life i miss him terribly

Damn robots are getting better. I cannot stand listening to them.

Aids is not a funny matter...that's a deadly disease & a horrible way to go. I wouldn't wish that not even on a enemie. God Bless their Souls.

And Anthony Perkins wife was killed in the plane crash on September 11th, 2001.

I work for Elizabeth glaser pediatric AIDS Foundation in Cameroon. 😊 Doing great work for HIV/AIDS in Africa

Wade Dominguez, the actor who played Emilio in the movie Dangerous Minds died of aids in 1998 at 32 years old. Also the singer shown riding in the car in this video was not Bobby DeBarge,that was El DeBarge.

How awful to get it from a blood transfusion! I'd be soo upset.

There was a lot of other talented people we lost to hiv/aids who felt they couldn't admit they had it. Some because of the stigma and others because of financial reasons. Perry Ellis is one of those people who comes to mind who most likely had it but felt he couldn't admit it. I can't help but wonder if Reagan didn't act like it was the "gay disease" and actually gave it the attention that it needed how many of those lives would have been spared.

My father had hiv for over 20 years. He found out in the early 80s. He would go to schools, na meetings, churches to speak about his diagnosis. He would pray and hold bible study 3 x a day with groups of people to support them. 🙏 he help people be saved be fore their death. He never received treatment with medication 💊 he believed that Jesus was his cure and supporting and education was the way to fight hiv. He lived until February of 2002. Thanks for helping so many in their journey. ❤

Rip to everyone who has passed away ❤

S9 much respect to those who publicly came out and the to be an activist for the disease, but for that kid Ryan white was the bravest of them all.

My childhood friend Errol died from aids in Detroit in the 90's. He was gay..and it really broke my heart when he passed away. Its so sad that all these ppl died and may they all rest in peace.

The blessing is ALL the people who are liviing with HIV w/o having it progress to AIDS!!! I am so sorry for all who were not able to survive this horrible disease. God Bless. BIG PHARMA get out the way and let the CURE COME THROUGH!!!!

Try to explain to my children how scary it was in the beginning of HIV/AIDS.

All these celebrities living fast sleeping around and using drugs certainly shows the perils of the lifestyle

I heard on the car radio on my lunch hour that Magic Johnson had been diagnosed and had immediately retired. When I relayed this info on returning to the office, my male co-workers were stunned into silence. The whole “No, not him!“ thing . . . : /

Thank you very much for Remembering for All the Talented people and Give A knowledgable

When doing a video like this please don't use a A.I or voice changer butchering names is awful.

I am glad Philly Bongoley Lutaaya (number 13) is mentioned here. Listen to the song he wrote and sang when he contracted the disease: Alone and Frightened❤

Michael Jeeter was also the original and best "Mr. Noodle" in sketches narrated by Elmo on Sesame Street.

Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.😊

Easy E died so fast 😢

Gia was beautiful! So sad all of them had to die from that awful disease 😢

Excellent video! It was humble and thought provoking. I remembered many of them. And if u do another post on this subject, please include: Charlie Bartlett, actor and comedian. Kevin Peter Hall, actor who also played the original predator creature due to his 7'2" height. Great character actor. Jermaine Stewart, dancer and singer.

I give thanks to all who bravely shined a light in the matter. So brave.

People will not believe how many celebs got it now