AIDS Memorial: Famous Gay Victims [HD]

A tribute to some well-known gay and bisexual men who died of AIDS and HIV; I did not include gay porn actors, as they already have their own memorial here: • Dead Gay Porn Stars Me...

[@garssympa500]

I'm a 65 year old gay man. This morning I woke up feeling sorry for myself for being alone and what COVID did to my former life. Then I saw this and I remembered way, way back. Thank you for this monumental work. I had forgotten.

[@jeromesullivan4015]

I’m 66, I feel ya

[@jeromesullivan4015]

I lived through HIV for years, I had to stop going to funeral things and try to have a life…I am going to be old where many beautiful,talented people couldn’t make it…

[@thomas120152]

Im 70 and survived....and feel the same way..

[@rja2089]

I’m 60 and never forgot it, I always think about the ones we lost too early. I don’t live in the past, but that area was a major impact on my life. Yet when I became paralyzed from the waist down when I was 43, I immediately accepted it and turned it into my Olympics. I will always have nerve damage but I’m walking with crutches after decades of PT, and have ED for life. This was life changing but not life threatening. You learn to put your challenges into perspective!

[@dianeamaral8151]

It's a shame these men died today they would.get more help

[@sultanmadhani6828]

My brother died 1992 His wife died 1994 May their souls rest in internal peace.

[@Afib95]

I lost my brother-in-law and more friends than I can imagine. Now it’s 62. I don’t know how I made it. Now 26 years later, I’m HIV positive but wishing so many others that had the opportunity that I did. I only have one friend left who was diagnosed in 1985 who still today thrives. This was the most horrible time of my life.

[@robbiehill2344]

I completely understand. I too am a long term survivor. The only one that has helped me has been God.

[@margaretlouiseable]

I was a waitress in Oaklawn, the gay part of Dallas from "78 to '90. ALL of my friends died from that horror. All of them. It's why I left. They were the best friends I ever had and are most fondly missed.

[@quents]

How sad!

[@chrisbee9164]

Big hugs to you. You sound like you were an amazing friend to them to have cared so much. xxx

[@djronniebruno]

That's crazy. I was a DJ in Dallas from 87 to present and I worked at Oak Lawn records from 88-94. It was a scary time. I lost my bf David Hayes in 90. He was a hairdresser at Paul Neinast. Coco, Sweet Savage, Amazing Grace, Tandy Andrews, Whitney Paige, Erica Andrews, Charlie Summers, Racine Scott, Wendy Rochelle, Naomi Sims, Ginger Taylor, Donna Day, Todd Allen just to name off the top of my head...all gone.

[@rickovery]

I lived in Arlington, TX as a gay man 1983-2000. I was infected with HIV in 1986. I partied in Dallas all the time and it was a terrible era to have to live through. Bless your heart for being there for your friends!

[@KnowTrentTimoy]

@@rickovery How did you make it out of that? They didn't have the treatments that they have now then.

[@Sophiecjp]

What a crushing blow AIDS has been to the world. I lost so many friends to this heartless disease. I lived in Dallas TX at the time and I remember going to the hospital to visit my friends and the suffering was unimaginable. Room after room of young men who were dying and not enough staff to help. I miss all of my friends. AIDS not only took their lives, it took so much more. I was in the restaurant business at the time and many of them were fired due to looking “gay”. People feared that they could catch AIDS from waiters. I wanted so badly to sue, or try to pass a law but my friends all said by the time it came to court they would be gone and sadly they were. I wish the people making the laws that are suppose to protect ALL human rights were made to go to the hospitals and witness what I saw. To sit by your friend who is 6’2” and now weighs 91 pounds, who is now blind, who can no longer walk, who is in agonizing pain, who has lost their mind to dementia at the age of 26 and so much more, the list is endless of what my friends endured. I will never forget the suffering they went through because of “Red Tape”, ignorance and fear. Bless everyone who lost their battle to this disease and their families too. I love and miss all of my friends everyday. To Chris, Joey, TJ, Patrick, Randy, Wayne, Kent, Greg, Steven, Gus, Tim, Beanie, Brian, Richard, Michael, Terry, Ricky and Jim. The world is lot less interesting without you in it.

[@jamesbass9797]

I lost so many friends over a 20 year period. So many friends. I used to work part time in a hospice doing what ever I could to help out years ago and I can still hear the screams and blood curling moaning. All we could do is pump them full of pain killers almost to the point of killing them. Some died smiling and some moaning and screaming. Others just simply slipped into death as they slept. It was just horrible at times. I am now an old Army dog with four knife and five bullet wounds that I survived during my time in service and yet I would face it all again with out hesitation as opposed to having the HIV virus. I'm a grown ass man and it's been many years since I've looked HIV in the face but I still cry myself to sleep at times when I remember.

[@strnglhld]

I’m glad you HELPED, that sounds horrific what they had to go through.

[@louiseturner9811]

You are a wonderful person..❤️❤️❤️

[@eddieharrison3801]

Thank youu

[@maremaid15]

Sending blessings and peace. What pain and sorrow to have to go through.

[@fonzisalgado512]

Much respect Brother

[@kayfoley166]

My brother, Dennis O'Connor, 1964-1993. Loved and missed every day by all lives he touched.

[@kingtut9295]

My Cousin Brenda Hopkins and also my uncle Calvin Benwoir.. missed everyday of our lives as well.. Sorry bout your Brother.. May we all meet in paradise one day😇😇😭😭

[@helenlucas5274]

Kay Foley so sorry for your loss peace and love to you and your loved ones

[@amandaperez7428]

Lo siento mucho

[@winsboy]

@@amybugg001 -- Sadly, there are far too many names to whisper. Many of us lost scores of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers. I will miss my big brother John as long as I live.

[@louiseturner9811]

May Dennis O'Connor rest in peace.❤️❤️❤️. Sending you my love from 🇬🇧

[@chucknyc123]

Vito Russo - RIP. I was an early volunteer for God's Love We Deliver and had the honor of bringing his lunch every day. Some days I would spend a half hour with him cracking up at his accent and others I would have to leave the sack outside his door, knowing he was too weak and/or embarrassed to be seen. Your work lives on, Vito.

[@CJBlanda]

My only Brother John A. Blanda Died of AIDS on December 15,1991. It feels like yesterday. My brother graduated from P.S.12 Westchester Square. Johnny served Four years in the Air Force, and was in the National Guard prior to his 4 years in the Air Force. He is interred in the 'old' section of St.Raymonds Cemetery.

[@cindywitter9741]

Freddie Mercury is loved even more today. ♥️. He lives on in all our hearts.

[@helenlucas5274]

Cindy Witter yes he does we all love freddie

[@michellegriffin4697]

RIP to those who weren't famous

[@MJ-lf3tr]

Amen.💚

[@mssburr]

Sad RIP, But non of these people were really famous.. May be well known in Hollywood to the actors.. Most were behind the scenes in Hollywood, only being really known if they had acted on the screen before becoming a writer, director, or producer. It is sad that is the case... Because most actors would be nothing without someone else writing their lines and directing them in what to do..

[@martinescobar1023]

My boyfriend Omar Ulises Álvarez . 1979-2019. R.I.P

[@beaumen1]

well.......i promised myself ,i wouldn't cry when watching this.....i thought i had cried more than enough........but, i broke down fairly early. being 61 years old, and remembering, in 1981 when we started feeling/ fearing AIDS in san francisco, i remember it all..it is so hard to forget all of my beautiful boys, my mates........i loved them, and still love them........yeah, life moves on.....but, i could list so many souls who weren't famous, but damn, they were wonderful, talented, so very smart, funny, giving, friends, and lovers, happy, loving, full of life and hope....i miss them. AIDS, was a killer, and it took its time.....i still have friends who have been ravaged ,after 30 years, still fighting it. stops one dead in one's tracks.although, the total world has suffered and still suffers.......i can't understand fully it..why/.......i still have a chip on my shoulder, a gnawing hunch, that those in power started it, or if i'm delusional, kept it going, reveled in the carnage.............the pain they caused US is criminal.

[@blondespitfire]

The Reagan Admin did keep it going on purpose. And it’s unconscionable. For what it’s worth, I happen to believe that AIDS victims didn’t die in vain. The vast majority of the public didn’t understand that the gay community consisted of a large and vibrant population of men who contributed so much to society. The AIDS crisis put a spotlight on a community of men and women who had previously been faceless and nameless. Because of the increased visibility, now we have legalized gay marriage and legislation that makes it a crime to discriminate against AIDS patients in the workplace and in housing. I personally don’t think that the strides the gay community has made on the whole would’ve happened without the AIDS crisis. For so many it was a high price to pay for the same rights that everyone else enjoys, but nonetheless they brought their community into the 21st Century.

[@discdoggie]

oh, most DEFINITELY kept it going through gross denial and neglect. Shame on them.

[@mariorivero979]

Qué cantidad de gente linda, inteligente y amorosa están todos con dios, en el cielooooo, 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋 besos 💋 👉 ♥ 💕 💜

[@ralphmarino1325]

This was one of the saddest things I've watched. All those talented young men whose life was cut short from horrible AIDS. Truly I am touched by this, and thank you for the presentation.

[@nomebear]

I am Vietnam vet, and what I witnessed in dealing with the onslaught of AIDS was incomprehensible. Many of these incredibly talented, beautiful, and skilled people had rough, tragic fights for their lives. There was so much false hope and misinformation. People were taken advantage of in inhumane ways. As a volunteer hospice worker I watched in wonder as the first trials of the "cocktail" showed remarkable results. My sick and dying patients transformed into healthy, beautiful men seemingly overnight. Pissed off at loosing everything, and then suddenly regaining their health, they got their strength back and walked out renewed. It was a time of much renewed hope.

[@shonacole2124]

God bless you

[@AnitaCock]

Have you not seen the recent 'commercials' from lawyers, trying to drum up business??? Claiming that the 'life saving' AIDS drugs had dangerous side effects, compared to the newere ones??

[@strnglhld]

@@AnitaCock They did. But dangerous side effects was better than guaranteed death.

[@TomthatiscalledTom]

Quacks and charlatans who make a fast buck giving false hope to the dying are in a special class of evil.

[@breadfruitgal]

So sad.

[@StellaRaeVon]

I know it would probably take 1,000 years, but watching this makes me want to learn more about each and every one of these people... the lives they lived; the ones they loved and the loves they had lost. 💔

[@deannalopez6158]

I couldn't agree more.

[@johnpowers1638]

I feel exactly the same, I want to awaken their lives.

[@teijaflink2226]

Right I kept up stopping and writing up names I felt like looking up.

[@chrisbee9164]

So many beautiful, wonderful, talented people, not counting all those who were not famous. My heart breaks.

[@patriciacisneros3926]

My Beautiful daughter Mona also passed away 4years ago from HIV/AIDS She wasn't famous but she was a loving daughter and friends to everyone she met Her kids daddy's physically tortured her and emotionally ,mentally abused her and gave her the disease i just don't know why she had to go and this guy lives??!! I'm sorry I'm just up set

[@juliakimmons8202]

GOD BLESS U🙏😇

[@jbak87]

I'm saddened by her suffering and death.

[@helenlucas5274]

Patricia Cisneros I am so sorry have no answer to why some people suffer and die when bad awful people go on living it makes no sense peace and love to you i

[@5proudmomof]

Sending you love and prayers.

[@keythdanielsen8316]

I appreciate your frustration. My younger brother passed away unexpectedly 4 years ago. I have often asked myself (and God) why him and not me. He had as much to live for as I do. Find a support group where you can get the emotional help and sympathy you need.

[@atrocchia]

What makes this so unsettling is that we know there are many, many more.

[@charles5596]

Yes , these are only the famous victims . May all those that have passed Rest In Peace

[@brendagriffin880]

@@charles5596 Amen!

[@MrCrowebobby]

One of the saddest quotes I've ever heard was from a handsome 19-year-old gay hustler who said: "I'm not afraid of dying; I'm afraid of being alone." I've never known that fear -- I've been alone by choice all of my life -- but it went straight to my heart.

[@peteypete8180]

I’m so afraid of being old and alone😢😢😢 Terrifies me and I had to retire early I’m crippled in fear

[@HurricaneCamille-us6mp]

​@@peteypete8180You are not alone. Sharing your fear is so brave and a blessing to those who share the same fear. We are with you.

[@ellenlartz2499]

I lost a very special friend from my old neighborhood. Rest in Peace Curtis Brown. Gone too soon

[@ciaohound]

Thank you. My husband is among those acknowledged. He was a strong and positive presence whose public acknowledgement of his circumstance was offered to help others in the same situation. He remains who he always was: a powerful presence for good.

[@sierria64]

I hope in our lifetime they find a cure lost my brotehr in 1992... I still loved him ... and did not care he had AIDS... Love in unconditional.. Lost co workers as well. May all rest after they suffered

[@JanetEsq]

Thank you for crediting Klaus Nomi as an opera singer. My generation knew him first as a punk singer and I was delighted to find out that he was a brilliant countertenor.

[@jamelah9916]

I would like to remember my cousin Darren Henderson 1967-1993😢

[@missigail93]

R.I.P. 🕊️⛪💒🕍🛐🙏🏻📿🙏🏻🤲🏻📿🕊️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@a_beautiful_mess428]

Sorry for your loss. This was a very sad time we lost a lot of beautiful people! 💔🥺

[@sandracfitzge]

Oh thank you, thank you! I was watching this beautiful yet heartbreaking memorial to the many, many people who were lost to the tragedy that was and is AIDS. When all of a sudden at about 32:31 came a photograph of a very dear friend - TIm Bowman, a vastly talented actor, singer and performer who was born in 1952 and who we lost to this hateful scourge in 1991 at the age of 45. Tim wasn’t a big star, but he was well on the way to becoming one. His photo in this tribute was taken of him when he played Che Guevara in the original Broadway run of Evita. He took over the part on Broadway when Mandy Patinkin left the role and continued in the part throughout the American tour. I was told that he played more performances as Che than any other actor. I grew up working on shows with Tim from the time he was a teenager, and we kept in touch as his career blossomed. He did many shows - I not only saw him as Che but also as Javert in the tour of Les Miserables. I was saddened to learn that he had contracted AIDS, and many of us were crushed when he finally succumbed to the disease in 1997. Throughout the years, in reading and viewing information about the history of AIDS and the huge toll it has taken, I was sad that I never saw Tim mentioned. It was as if his story, his history, his life had been wiped away. But somebody remembered him - YOU remembered him! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@ackerbcn1873]

Thank you for sharing this. A life that touches others goes on forever.

[@lawriefoster5587]

BLESS

[@stevechabalik6985]

The saddest 46 minutes I've spent since I can't remember when. It was invaluable. Thank you, Mr. Sciambra.

[@stevewentworth4249]

These gifted faces and names seem to go on forever. From 1983 through 1995 I lost nearly 100 friends in Dallas, Houston and Washington, DC. Two of my partners in Dallas - Tim Daugherty and Don Oberman - succumb to the disease as well. I also lost my childhood best friend, Curtis Ray Wharam, in 1989, at the young age of 31. Watching this brings back so many memories and tears.

[@thegoodkelly]

RIPs my heart out. I lost two close friends. My good friend from high school is in his 20th year battling this awful disease. With assistance, his prescriptions cost over $1k a month. We must request that our representatives fight the large pharmaceutical companies who put profit ahead of people's lives. AIDS is not a historical issue, people are still fighting this deadly disease.

[@terryrodefer2039]

Apply for ADAP: Aids Drugs Assistance Program. Then his meds will be free.

[@strnglhld]

We need universal healthcare already!

[@LisaLisa-2023]

@@strnglhld I can't agree with you more!! UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE FOR EVERYONE. And affordable pharmaceutical prices for the love of humanity.

[@dougl945]

To all my dozens of personally lost friends: I will carry your voices and images in my heart forever. Thank you for those early years that were so wondrous and yet so horrifying, I am here today to pay testimony to your beauty.

[@plaguedoctormasque8089]

To all those Not mentioned Here.We still remember and Love you. We will Not Forget You!!!💋💗💖💞💖💞💖💞💖💞❤💚💜💙💛💓😭👑

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

I'm 57 and remember when my uncle told me, in the early 80s, that he was sick. I devoured every bit of information availabe on HIV/AIDS. I remember when many of these talented men died. It was heartbreaking. My uncle died in 2007 of AIDS. He survived longer than most. I will never forget the early days of this horrible disease.

[@stephenberry1205]

I am deeply humbled by this Tribute for so many we have lost. 2023 is my 40th year living with HIV. 20 years with natural therapies including acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Immune system went into wild collapse and I was with a couple of months of death from PML / AIDS in early 2004. Against the medical odds I 90% recovered. When COVID hit - I joked to my doctor... "I already tried dying. It did not work." What a gift to survive when two former partners and so many friends did not make it. I now have an acronym for AIDS... Assists Individuals Develop Spiritually... with HIV - Healing Inner Values... I have come to believe life is gift that challenges each of us and collectively.. to grow as an individual and as a spiritual spark that evolves life at a deeper level...

[@robertcotgrave5920]

You have my total respect. God bless you 🙏 ❤️.

[@pearlyshells2430]

yes, a generation of the fine arts has been lost....amongst others...I lost my athletics coach (90's) to this epidemic. He had a heart of gold. RIP

[@jonspanonyc]

At 35:17 - LEE MATHIS, a man who changed my life. Always in my thoughts and still in my heart. I miss him so much and wish we could just spend more time together as older men.

[@makokoro9073]

Can anyone imagine the suffering this men went through the last months of their lives. Specially if their family rejected them and the stigma and ignorance of the people

[@lucioagelvis2134]

Paul Prenter's dad said it was horrible and that he wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy.

[@chorizoluna]

Mary Madrigal yes , As a former case worker in NYC I would hold my patients hand . We would be there alone , since no family would visit and friends and lovers have already passed away . The most painful memory I have it still make me cry as I write it .

[@taboty]

I still get sad when I remember one of my best friend that his mother rejected him. I took him out for dinner before he passed away.He was sad and didn't eat much.RIP my dear friend.

[@tranurse]

I worked as a 23 year old brand new baby nurse on an AID’s unit. You have no idea.

[@catherinevaz6139]

Especially in the beginning, when the means of spreading of the disease were not known yet. People avoided and judged those who were affected. It must have been so hard... 😢

[@CharCanuck14]

Seeing Craig Russell in this beautiful tribute reminded me of how much I adored him. I had the privilege of seeing Craig perform twice and fell in love with our tremendously talented T.O. home boy. RIP you amazing human being! Thank you so much for this tribute Joseph!

[@michaelkantner6420]

I would like to add my own name, Ron Eratano, who was the man that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but sadly, fate wouldn't allow it. He died about 10-15 years ago and I still miss him. Unfortunately for him, when his family found out about his status, they disowned him, but thank the heavens he found a partner to be with him in his last years of life. R.I.P. my love.

[@madoak5597]

So sorry for your loss

[@debm8814]

God bless you I’m so sorry for your loss

[@nomine4027]

Thinking about all the culture, art, and beauty that AIDS has stolen from this world.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Yes & Yes & Ronald Reagan Did Nothing! Nothing At All! I Lost & Said Good-Bye To 9 Loving Close Friends In The Mid 1970's Through The Mid 1996. AIDS Did Not Appear In The 1980's & Kill Off In The 1990's, It Had Been Causing The Deaths From At Much Speed In The 1970's. It Was So Very Fast In The Mid 1970's, So Fast. :( You Would Be At A Dinner With All Your Circle In The 1970's & Everyone Was Healthy & Great & Days Later One Would Get The Call They Were Feeling So Terrible & Doctor Said They Had Pneumonia & Taking Anti-Biotics & Within A Week They Were Dead. Then You Would Hear of Others & The Same Thing, Pneumonia & Died & Fast. Society As A Rule Thought It Was Terrible Pneumonia Had Killed Someone & To Realize Friends Were Dying Of What Was Later Coined AIDS.All Of Us Were All Talented, Gifted & Professionals In My Circle of Close Friends. I Was Spared & Only Some Years Later To Get Cancer & Had Surgery To Remove The Cancer. In 2019 I Am Alive & Everyone From My Youth & Later Has Died & I Can Not Say Good-Bye Anymore, I Only Want To Say Hello. It Shall Never Be What Could of Been, Could of Been. Today's Generation Thinks Swallow An HIV Pill & It Takes Care of Everything & Still They Get AIDS Because They Are Not Using Protection Every Time. I Hear & Read, They Don't Want To Be Bothered With Condoms & Safe Sex, They Take The HIV Pill So That Takes Care of Everything. Tragic How People Are In Such Denial, Ignorant Or Just Don't Give A Damn. Watching This For The 1st Time I Saw People I Knew Personally From Years Ago & Is A Emotional Roller-Coaster Because I Never Knew They Died of AIDS. The Obits Were Written Up They Died Of Cancer or Lung Disease. How The Media In The Newspapers & TV News Covered Up AIDS 24/7. LOVE TRUMPS HATRED 24/7 Always! Care About Your Fellow Person Always.

[@EvilScooterKitty-zq5wv]

I lost all my gay friends in the 1980's. They were all barely 30. Most passed within 3 months of their diagnosis. I miss them all.

[@strafrag1]

The people who voted "thumbs down" to this terrific memorial video are the same kinds of trash who I saw carry signs back in the 80s which read "Thank God For AIDS". I don't forget.

[@paddianneadorian3913]

Yes don't forget but forgive so your heart wont be so heavy. That is what my mum used to say to me all the time. I live my it now. I am sorry that you had to put up with such sick heads hope it is better now.

[@annettefournier9655]

Smh. I was married to a man who was of that opinion. Big wig in the church , top position just behind the preacher. Serial Philanderer. Talk about glass houses. Divorced 26 years ago and I never remarried. Now who do you think God is more upset with? If you said neither the gay man or unfaithful deacon you would be correct. No one should presume to know God's mind. That was never God's message. We are to love one another as God loves us. Leave the rest to God to sort out. It's not our area. Congrats to all the long time partners. Condolences for all who loved and lost.

[@TheSwaddelator]

So true

[@adrianh332]

The religious right are the worst hypocrites they're always going with prostitutes (both male and female) and doing drugs. To them religion is a money making exercise with power prestige and control added in.

[@tracyparker6676]

That horrible 15 years before when there seemed to be no hope. I would like to add my brother, Kevin Parker, 1961 - 1995, Figure Skater. My heart is still broken for all those lost souls. Be well in Heaven, under God's care.

[@hkwhopper]

All of us of that generation still feel the pain, we remember the people we lost and agony of watching them fade. As Tom Hanks said the streets of heaven are blessed by there early arrival. We need videos like this, lest we ever forget, may they all be resting in peace and may those they left behind, have found a way to live with the memories.

[@deniecebasso5367]

I am only a couple of minutes into this when a startling realization has hit me. There are so many tragic human beings lost to AIDS that the creator was able to fill over 45 minutes. And this is merely a collection of “famous” people. As a society we have made enormous improvements education where HIV/AIDS is concerned. However, there is still a negative stigma...and still too many beautiful souls being lost to this horrible, HORRIBLE virus/disease. I hope to see a complete cure in our lifetime. 💜

[@helenlucas5274]

Deniece Basso me too we need a complete cure so sad so many beautiful souls gone

[@polly2020]

Same realization hit me, so incredibly sad.

[@stevechabalik6985]

ALSO: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for including Melvin Dixon, my Afro-American Literature professor at Queens College in 1985!

[@valenciawoods4498]

Very poignant tribute. I noticed the background music was from an HBO special "And the Band Play On" made me tear up. Great job on bringing them back, even though for a few moments.

[@jodiecridlebaugh9910]

Well done..heartbreaking

[@maryjanemagee5410]

I can only hope that the wonderful, talented men here are now in peace and bliss. May I add my very dear friend’s name Thom Geoffrion. I hope we will meet again. Such talented and accomplished people who made the world brighter for the quick second that they were alive.

[@wendeqallab6656]

So very tragic.

[@dancingnature]

This was so sad I’m heterosexual and some of the people on here brought me joy with the art they created .

[@tulipo6907]

Shocked I didn't know. And for everyone a thousand infamous neighbors sons friends and lovers and for every one of those ten thousand friends mothers coworkers left grieving for years They worked so hard to be cut in a moment in time Each one worthy of a movie or documentary of their journey.

[@gshockbabe6144]

I lost a school friend to AIDS:Debby Ballantine RIP.Gone,never forgotten,sorely missed.

[@christhomas5761]

Sad and many of them died before reaching 40 years old.

[@gabrioxxx]

I sincerely hope that all these men had the chance to love and be loved while in this world. That’ s the only thing that matters, the most extraordinary experience that every human being has the right to live . I wish all these beautiful and talented men, a peaceful rest.

[@BobSFox]

I'M SURE MOST OF THEM WOULD HAVE SETTLED FOR ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE WHILE THEY WERE ALIVE.........LOVE BOB S. FOX, PALM SPRINGS, CA. USA

[@wendyburke2210]

I wish we could finally say AIDS has been cured ! I hope I live long enough to see it happen . We just have to . We've already lost too many .

[@sheliapea1387]

Find love of their creator Jesus Christ is all that matters

[@rachelspry8934]

gabrioxxo

[@patricialawson7817]

My gorgeous nephew died at the age of 37 he was a beautiful person love him dearly we were so close it was 1995.rip Steve.xxxx

[@ovalroom2]

Whilst I appreciate this tribute, there were so many ordinary everyday gay men, doing ordinary jobs everyday that also lost their lives, and were friends of mine, sometimes too many to think about and I offer my tribute to them, lost friends and lovers that were gone too soon, and how they may have changed this terrible world we live in now...to you my lost friends...I hope one day we meet again.

[@julie.1081]

ovalroom2 -You'll see all them one day my friend. But, they'll wait for you until it's your time. Until then, share the memories of them. Write your stories down! The good, the bad & especially the funny ones.

[@saskiaeland2935]

ovalroom2 but also politicians, not just men from artistic life. Great tribute. Of course they missed some....

[@spence147]

There is a wonderful Instagram group called @theaidsmemorial that has thousands of memorials of ordinary people.

[@hansvandenberg6464]

I m glad that many of these famous people openly told the world they had Aids. many of the less known victims were even denied a quilt by their families or friends.... and I even know of parents who told their relatives that their son died of cancer..... even refusing now to say it was aids

[@pbohearn]

Thank You for this memorial in honor of many talented, forgotten souls to a disease that decimated a generation of gay and bisexual men. In a way it’s a distant memory. But for those of us who were in it and still alive, it was and still is a profoundly sad story of our lives that has colored my life since with a sad wistfulness but an easy empathy for others’ suffering.

[@johniii8147]

We lost an entire generation of talent

[@BroccoliBeefed]

Many of these people would have been dead now from other things anyway, considering they were born in the 1920s and 1930s

[@krisushi1]

Problem is that its not over by any means. We lose people every single day around the World and not many seem to really care. We need to change this by continuing to communicate this disaster.

[@updownstate]

It was the invisible Viet Nam of our generation.

[@captebbtide]

Are singer Sylvester James and his partner listed?

[@kenpolinskie2097]

I still can't absorb the losses. At least I got sober.

[@DanRobSo]

Thank you for a beautiful tribute. Please don't forget: Norman Andersson, bass-baritone (1953-1993) Bruce Hubbard, baritone (1952-1991) John Reardon, baritone (1930-1988) Luis Rivera, dancer (1938-1992)

[@philiptorrez2578]

For them to throw an ad in the middle of this is major cold hearted!

[@ArizonaWillful]

Exactly! Inserting commercials into this tribute is barbaric. Appalling.

[@creativeplanetjanet]

I just now watched this all the way through with no ad interruptions. Could very well have been because of your comment. So, I thank you!

[@adryanredbeard699]

Philip Torrez guys please stop complaining, ads help pay for this beautiful content free of charge to us...please and thank you.

[@BobSFox]

IN MEMORY OF ALL THE MOTHERS WHO LOST SONS IN THIS TRADEGY OF AN ENTIRE GENERATION ON THIS MOTHER'S DAY 2019'..........BLESS ALWAYS , BOB S. FOX, PALM SPRINGS, CA. USA

[@mytry4realz29]

That was very sweet 💜🙏

[@maureenholtham9326]

I am so sorry how very sad

[@wdh47211]

The talent that was lost. I suffered a loss of a great friend ...Philip Butler....I miss him everyday. Thanks for posting this. Such a loss...

[@michaelc7876]

I have NEVER heard better music on a video than this! It is SOOO sad, yet so appropriate for the cause. Amazing.......I've watched this over and over and still cry......thank you.!

[@miguelrubiorincon3904]

I think the music is from a movie about the early times aids begun and how the virus was discovered. With Richard Gere and Mathew Modine. " And the band played on " i think it was the title.

[@donm7823]

As an activist and a psychotherapist in Boston, Aids epidemic was a shock, as the numbers of men diagnosed and dying within 18 months of diagnosis was impossible to deal with. Most of the men who were clients were young enough to be my sons -- I wept at their passing, I anguished at the loss of such fine men who would cease to be in fact. The words from the play I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER helped me heal: Death ends a life but not a relationship. Rest in peace dear brothers. Those of us who lived on thru that devastating era, will never forget. Rest in Peace.

[@MarcoTMagno]

omg... 3:57 -Jimmy! Jimmy McShane...I knew him. I knew him well. Gosh... I have no words only 'thank you' for having him in this memorial. Thank you.

[@monkeyman2407]

Most of the men that passed away were younger than I am today & they were all so accomplished. Heartbreaking.

[@1951kvk]

I volunteered with an ASO in the late 80's through until 2010. We had so many deaths that we couldn't attend every funeral. We had to focus on the living. It brought many life lessons.

[@ninababy8]

Freddie Mercury still adored by millions. This is intensely sad! The world is less beautiful.

[@oldasrescues235]

I'm sorry you feel that the world is less beautiful,because this person died,but the world is beautiful no matter who dies,life is a gift from God,but we all must die,Jesus Christ set the example.and we must love life and Earth cause it's just for a little bit.but when the resurrection comes we will live for ever.

[@monicapacke7082]

What I think is that if the private life of people stayed 'private', nothing of this would happen,I mean,long lists of beautiful talented men, who do not deserve to be labeled like a kind of condemmed species. First of all, they were just men! Mercy!!

[@monicapacke7082]

Love him forever!!

[@helenlucas5274]

Nina Mule Lyons I love freddie so many people died because of this terrible illness so sad

[@sherrisanders7478]

Amen!!! I still cry over this tragedy on this beautiful talented man and legend.

[@donbrown1284]

Impressive list. Some additions, all friends: Rob Eichberg ~ Psychologist/Activist/Writer 1947-1995 Ray Underwood ~ Actor/Poet 1954 - 1991 Robert Perrault ~ Actor 1953 - 1992 Tom Bezzi ~ Writer 1951 - 1995

[@robertclatworthy1857]

Such a loss of wonderful talent. Its a shame the governments couldn’t have got together earlier and found a cure . It makes me cry. I often think of all the friends that we lost in the eighties and nineties, I miss them all

[@t.r.9542]

I would like to add one more name to this memorial. David Rossiter, director of record label Etcetera and above all my friend

[@edrhubart8011]

I truly appreciate the effort and the sentiment - I lived through it all - but the starbursts before each name make this IMPOSSIBLE , even physically painful, to watch.

[@piamadison5539]

This was a very moving and artistic tribute to beautiful and creative people the world has sadly lost. Thank you. The music is haunting.

[@patriciap4145]

Notice most of these guys passed away in the 90's when there wasn't yet retrovirol drugs on the market. Pity because today with the drugs and a healthy lifestyle you are guaranteed to live a normal life. RIP GUYS.

[@kiponholly]

Unfortunately there is no guarantee....everyone has their own journey. A great observation though, and am so grateful for today's treatment. My lifelong best friend of 40+ yrs was fortunate to have benefitted by those retrovirol drugs. Am so grateful we had him here with us another 20 yrs. How great that this memorial is out here. Thank you Joseph Sciambia. ❤️

[@polly2020]

This was incredibly moving to watch, so much talent lost, but more importantly so many loved ones lost. RIP all of you.

[@peninalipke]

I was an intern in NYC in 1987, A brand new M.D. just out of med school. So I became a physician in the midst of the epidemic, in today’s parlance, the pandemic of HIV. I remember the suffering and the tragedy of untimely death. For a young doctor it was overwhelming and at times numbing. I suppose to survive emotionally we all had to become numb to function. There was maybeAZT that year but certainly no advanced anti retro viral drugs yet. So many young lives cut short is what I remember. And the feeling of powerlessness While still fighting it out everyday at the hospital. Somehow , I have a similar feeling now, a corona virus deja vu, when I go to the hospital to work now. God bless the victims old and new, and their loved ones.

[@rickchris7698]

Extremely powerful yet this only scratches the surface in terms of the gay men that were taken.

[@joelbuchanan471]

Thank you so much for bringing us these faces again. So much wonderful talent gone, but not forgotten. Truly well done Joseph.

[@terrystrahl6006]

This is so heartbreaking to watch you can't help but cry all these beautiful people had a great future ahead of them and it was all cut short, I have many wonderful friends I lost to AIDS but I will never forget them as long as I am still breathing on this earth. Thank You for showing this memorial...♥

[@Shortypants1215]

That is was really beautiful that you had Rudolph Nureyev close things out. I was actually getting kind of mad, like:”Where is Rudy?!” Also, you had Erik Bruhn towards the beginning, so they were almost bookends. Thank you for this.

[@mindakahn9964]

Getting through this was tough. We’ve lost so much art so much music, so many beautiful words that will never be spoken.

[@pegitamg9716]

I just asked my 22 year old grandson what he had learned about Aids/HIV . He told me they taught the antiquated bull they were teaching back in the 1980's when I was entering the medical field for the first time. This isn't acceptable. If we don't educate our people we won't ever beat this. We need to research this and arm ourselves with current knowledge and keep pushing our at risk youth to be tested regularly so we can get ahead of this and stay ahead. Don't turn your back on your gay or lesbian children. I have taken in teens whose parents didn't want to be around 'those kind of people'. I never regretted my decision for a minute!

[@TrudyPatootie]

Tragic loss. I lost many to Aids. Heartbreaking for all. RIP to all our beautiful angels. You are missed. Beautiful tribute Joseph.

[@suzannethorndycraft5653]

This tribute is just heartbreaking. I am so very sad right now. Thank you for opening my eyes.

[@newnovaguy]

And for all the names that aren’t mentioned: you were extremely valuable! extremely talented! and extremely missed! even though it’s 35 years ago that my friends and me had on average 5 funerals/cremations every week to laid lovers, friends and members of our own community to rest, the missing will NEVER go away, we might have found ways to continue our lives but the loss of these highly skilled, creative and awesome men is something we have to carry with us on our lives journey and make sure we cherish their memories because it’s the least they deserve

[@RICHMOND94114]

I'd like to add one more name to this amazing memorial. Tom Carabba, singer, and my husband.

[@cklmtn]

RICHMOND94114 I m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers

[@davidwall2576]

@Nurhayat Leon Guerrero I believe most of us are drinking water from the same well. I am widowed since 1993 and I will never replace him. I miss him every day but also celebrate his life everyday. Betty White said it so well, "I've had the best, who needs the rest?".

[@Genomizer]

I am so sorry for your loss!!! I so feel for you! I lost my husband last August. It was a very sudden heart attack, he died in my arms and I still don´t understand that he´s gone forever. We were together for 25 years. I still pray that he´d come back to me but he will not, never! I hope you can cope with your loss somehow. I´m still struggling. I hope you have friends around you to give you some comfort and that they are there for you. Now I feel like crying. I pray for your Tom as I pray for my Matti!! Yours Pekka from Finland

[@donniehagy970]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@dickwatson5329]

My thoughts are with you i know how much you must miss him

[@patriciabennett-siciliap802]

Yes this is so so sad! I lost a very good friend and roommate. He had a purple round mark on his lower arm. Then working at a hospital. A nurse who attempted a workshop, yes learning about what could trigger HIV. Approached him saying you should have this looked at....yes it was car-posy sacarcoma after all the tests. This was 1884 Larry died in January of 1986. I could not believe this was happening to such a vibrant person. He will always be with me🌈🌈🌺💞

[@bobs8206]

the pain is never quite gone, just scratch the surface. Aids is NOT over

[@karenhetboetje]

what an enormous loss, if only we would have known what we know now. thank you for who you were

[@vidalbarrera3571]

I still remember when I first heard that Tony Hamilton had passed away...I was devastated and deeply sad...I loved him from TV shows like "Cover Up" and "Mission: Impossible"...even from that terrible film called "Nocturna"...and I still use to dream of him frequently...

[@frenchanthony2226]

Tony and I loved in the same apartment building in West Hollywood. He was a very nice, handsome and talented man. Such a shame that he is gone. I still remember him seeing me in the hallway always greeting me with a huge smile. We lost so many wonderful people to this horrible, horrible disease.

[@LC-ig2jm]

I can't believe I'm writing this. I didn't even know he died until I saw his face as the Cover photo for this video. He was a very handsome man. But he did not have any snobbiness to him. I'm a minority, not normally considered beautiful, and mostly ignored by many gay men. But he was kind to me. Lots of people do not know what a nice guy he was...

[@nickykeightley1724]

Heartbreaking, but a beautiful tribute

[@teptime]

One of the saddest days of my life was driving my friend Connell to look at caskets...for himself. He wanted a nice one, in case his parents who'd disowned him should happen to attend his funeral. They didn't. Rest in peace, friend...the world is a far less interesting place without you.

[@chuckbuck3435]

So much beauty, talent, pain, happiness, and courage.

[@michaeldugenia4091]

For as long as these men are remembered for their contributions to life, beauty, art, and culture and for the joy they brought to a lot of people, their passing will not be in vain. While their passing is truly sad, I personally prefer to celebrate their life. This is how we should remember them all. I salute you all and I thank you all. The world owes you a great debt of gratitude.

[@divox9pqr]

May I also add the name Christopher Dean, Opera Singer...his Mother Gertrude would want me to do this.

[@mimilini1]

Rodney Morgan Brown I’m so glad that you’re adding the names of these beautiful souls. It’s so important. Thank you.

[@lornawilliams-astley2716]

God bless him.

[@IceESole]

🙏

[@iolet.9695]

💎

[@helenlucas5274]

Rodney Morgan Brown he is in my prayers all these people are in my prayers this is just too sad the loss of beautiful lives very sads

[@BNMS-P]

I've never seen a video beautiful and empathetically produced, which memorialises the many lives taken away by Aids. Thank you, for taking your time to show this. May all have peace they are home now.

[@windstorm1000]

All this talent. All this beauty...like flowers in the fall wind. I pray for each of these men.

[@SickCityRecords]

These boys were young. My heart breaks.

[@boitoiful]

Thanks for bringing these people to the forefront in your video. It is a sad reminder and just a smidgen of the talented and wonderful people we have lost...many of whom we do not know of then or now.

[@threexladi]

We know in our hearts.

[@anninamarcella8532]

I'm crying. Beautiful and clever men flew to the sky like butterflies. Bad destiny, I'm so sorry. For not forget, thank you for this precious document. 🌟🌟🌟

[@Wurlyscope]

Such tragic years. So many beautiful and talented friends we lost. Let’s never forget. Thank you.

[@divox9pqr]

May I add the following names: Melvin Earl Brown, Counter-Tenor; John Young, Concert Pianist; John Stenson, Concert Pianist

[@sgsmozart]

Rodney Morgan Brown ..And Greg Emery...MD and member of the SF Symphony Chorus

[@makelimonada9426]

Louis Potgeiter Dschingis Khan

[@peewee7530]

Freddie Mercury.

[@taboty]

@@sgsmozart Also some of the cast of the Finochios in San Francisco and performers in other clubs .

[@rosemarydudley9954]

Freddie Mercury and Liberace.

[@debrablondeel7698]

thank you for this beautiful tribute, may these beautiful souls always be remembered

[@jimmykouba4494]

Several I remember and some shocked me. All these beautiful people of diverse talent and backgrounds would have been a joy to know. It breaks my heart and tears shed. They shall never be forgotten but always Remembered. So moved I had to share this on other social media. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@mimilini1]

I’m the youngest of six. I have three older brothers, two of whom are gay. During this terrible time, watching my Mother worry about them but trying to be respectful because they were already adults. They were both artists in nyc at the time. One was (and still is) an off broadway actor, the other a musician and singer. Thankfully, they are both alive and well and healthy. I’ll never forget the day Freddie Mercury passes away. I was absolutely beside myself. I fell in love with Freddie and Queen when I was 8 and bohemian rhapsody was new. The first person to console me was my brother. As it turned out, he had had a crush on Freddie, too. This video tribute is so poignant and lovely. It really brought back the fear and the loss and the government’s unwillingness to help because Reagan was such a homophobe. He let these men suffer agonizing deaths. Anyway, thank you for sharing this thoughtful, beautiful tribute. It really touched me and means a lot to share what the cost of that epidemic was.

[@accountnolongerinuse2044]

Glad to hear that your brothers are fine. About Freddie, yeah I really love him. I just can't look at him without crying. In the last years of his life, you could really tell he was dying. Which makes me heartbroken. Rest in peace to all the people who died because of this disease.

[@brianscates5225]

Interesting fact that the guy who put this memorial video on KZbin sees himself as a religious prodigal son; RC inclined; no offence? I think he still likes to put it about in theory; and by the book, so to speak. See his other videos on KZbin for confirmation?