Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist, dies at 39

[SouthernIslander]

Hydeia Broadbent, known for raising awareness to lessen the stigma around HIV/AIDS from a young age, has died at 39 years old. She was one of the faces of children with AIDS in America, especially within the African American community.

Her father, Loren Broadbent, confirmed her unexpected passing in a message posted to Facebook on Tuesday. He did not share the cause of death.

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/21/12330225 ... ies-age-39

[WellPreserved]

Hardest part - "When your friends die"

I remember her and her activism. So hard to believe that was so many years ago. Gosh that was a horrible time. May the lovely, anything but "normal", lady rest in peace.

[Momto2boys973]

May she rest in peace. She used her life to do something positive, she’s admirable

[SouthernIslander]

Hardest part - "When your friends die"

I remember her and her activism. So hard to believe that was so many years ago. Gosh that was a horrible time. May the lovely, anything but "normal", lady rest in peace.

I will never forget that interview. I was really sad to see she passed away. She was an irreplaceable activist.

[WellPreserved]

Hardest part - "When your friends die"

I remember her and her activism. So hard to believe that was so many years ago. Gosh that was a horrible time. May the lovely, anything but "normal", lady rest in peace.

I will never forget that interview. I was really sad to see she passed away. She was an irreplaceable activist.

She was!

I was looking at old photos of my horseback riding days with my daughter just recently. I was the only female jr rider for a stable that was owned/operated by 6 gay men and I was telling her the stories of traveling with them and how protective they were of me and how naive I was. She asked me what they were doing now and I told her they all died. All six of them. I went to 3 funerals in high school, 2 in college and 1 after college. God that time sucked. I don't think enough people remember how many incredible people were lost to AIDS in the 80s and early 90s.

[Della]

Hardest part - "When your friends die"

I remember her and her activism. So hard to believe that was so many years ago. Gosh that was a horrible time. May the lovely, anything but "normal", lady rest in peace.

I will never forget that interview. I was really sad to see she passed away. She was an irreplaceable activist.

She was!

I was looking at old photos of my horseback riding days with my daughter just recently. I was the only female jr rider for a stable that was owned/operated by 6 gay men and I was telling her the stories of traveling with them and how protective they were of me and how naive I was. She asked me what they were doing now and I told her they all died. All six of them. I went to 3 funerals in high school, 2 in college and 1 after college. God that time sucked. I don't think enough people remember how many incredible people were lost to AIDS in the 80s and early 90s.

I lost a few dear friends during that time. One who was my bestie from childhood. It was a terrible time.

[SouthernIslander]

Hardest part - "When your friends die"

I remember her and her activism. So hard to believe that was so many years ago. Gosh that was a horrible time. May the lovely, anything but "normal", lady rest in peace.

I will never forget that interview. I was really sad to see she passed away. She was an irreplaceable activist.

She was!

I was looking at old photos of my horseback riding days with my daughter just recently. I was the only female jr rider for a stable that was owned/operated by 6 gay men and I was telling her the stories of traveling with them and how protective they were of me and how naive I was. She asked me what they were doing now and I told her they all died. All six of them. I went to 3 funerals in high school, 2 in college and 1 after college. God that time sucked. I don't think enough people remember how many incredible people were lost to AIDS in the 80s and early 90s.

It does bring back sad but good memories. My first hair salon was full of gay men who taught me everything I know about taking care of my hair, when everyone struggled with biracial hair. LOL! A few of them passed away and I also lost a classmate/coworker who was my buddy.

In addition to the deaths, the stigma was awful as well. The 80s and 90s was a very different place. I guess that means I am officially old.

[Lexy]

RIP to a beautiful soul who brought inspiration to everyone.