World AIDS Day

While I hate to be a downer, World AIDS Day is a time for us to reflect on how far we've come in the battle against HIV/AIDS, but yet a reminder how far we have to go. Also, it is a time to remember those individuals who we have lost. Friends, family, neighbors and the hundreds of entertainers who have touched our lives through their art, whether it be performances, music, films, design, writing or television appearances. These are some of the many who helped shape the way I see things today. Some amazing folks whose contribution to pop culture will never be forgotten.

Emile Ardolino - filmmaker, DIRTY DANCING
Isaac Asimov - author, I, ROBOT
Alvin Ailey – dancer and choreographer
Peter Allen - singer, songwriter
Howard Ashman - lyricist, THE LITTLE MERMAID
Amanda Blake - actress, GUNSMOKE
Merritt Butrick - actor, SQUARE PEGS
Michael Callen - singer, songwriter
Brad Davis - actor, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS
Denholm Elliott - actor, ROOM WITH A VIEW
Wayland Flowers - puppeteer, HOLLYWOOD SQUARES
Leonard Frey - actor, THE BOYS IN THE BAND
Kevin Peter Hall - actor, HARRY & THE HENDERSONS
Halston - fashion designer
Keith Haring - visual artist
Dan Hartman - singer, songwriter
Ofra Haza - singer
Colin Higgins - filmmaker, NINE TO FIVE
Rock Hudson - actor, McMILLIAN & WIFE
Derek Jarman - filmmaker, SEBASTIANE
Michael Jeter - actor, EVENING SHADE
Jobriath - glam rock singer
Lance Loud - member of The Mumps
Charles Ludlam - actor, playwright, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
Liberace - Mr. Showmanship
Robert Mapplethorpe - photographer
Freddie Mercury - member of Queen
Andy Milligan - filmmaker, THE MAN WITH TWO HEADS
Paul Monette - author, BECOMING A MAN
Cookie Mueller - actress, PINK FLAMINGOS
Klaus Nomi - avant garde singer
David Oliver - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Anthony Perkins - actor, PSYCHO
Dack Rambo - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Gene Anthony Ray - dancer, actor, FAME
Robert Reed - actor, THE BRADY BUNCH
Herb Ritts - photographer
Max Robinson – ABC News Anchor
Howard Rollins Jr - actor, ANOTHER WORLD
Vito Russo - film historian, THE CELLULOID CLOSET
Ray Sharkey - actor, WISEGUY
Stephen Stucker - actor, AIRPLANE!
Sylvester - singer
Tom Villard - actor, WE'VE GOT IT MADE
Ricky Wilson - member of the B-52s
David Wojnarowicz - visual artist
Pedro Zamora - REAL WORLD participant

This is for Freddie and everyone else...