HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus can affect people from all nationalities, all creeds, all ages, and all sexual orientations. Since HIV came to the fore-front of our consciousness in 1981, many well-known celebrities have not only contracted the virus, but have spoken out to promote awareness and fight discrimination. Among the celebrities who helped to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, one stands out in the minds of many: Rock Hudson. Rock Hudson was the first major US celebrity to die of AIDS.
Rock Hudson was born in 1925 and died of AIDS on October 2nd, 1985. He had hidden his homosexuality and hid his infection from the public until two months before he passed away. In his prime, Rock was one of the most well-known movie stars in the world. Mr. Hudson was highly praised for his is career in film and television. Rock played the lead in nearly 70 movies during his career that spanned over four decades. He also appeared on popular TV shows like Dynasty and McMillan and wife. Rock was the quintessential movie star: Handsome and tall, charismatic, and charming.
Up until the point that Rock made his shocking announcement, the general thought about HIV was that it affected Haitians, Junkies, Sodomites, and other marginalized people- not Hollywood movie stars. Rock had kept his homosexuality a secret solely for the sake of his career.Towards the end of his short life (He died at 59 years old) he not only came out as a gay man, but he also confessed to being infected with HIV. After this announcement, Rock donated his time and money to raising awareness for HIV/AIDS research before he died 2 months and ten days after making his announcement.
Rock Hudson is a perfect example of how HIV operates. No amount of money, recognition, or charisma can protect an individual from HIV. Exposure to HIV positive blood or bodily fluids is dangerous and all precautions must be taken to limit exposure. This means using condoms, not sharing needles, and using common sense. In order to eradicate HIV we must educate ourselves and protect ourselves and one another with that knowledge.
Source : http://ping.fm/rlbri
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