On February 20, 2024, the HIV community lost a fierce longtime advocate. Though she was only 39 years old when she died in her home in Las Vegas, Hydeia Broadbent had for more than three decades educated people around the world about HIV and AIDS.

 

Born with HIV in 1984, Hydeia was among the first generation of children born with the virus. When she was diagnosed with AIDS at age 3, doctors predicted she might not live past age 5. After all, effective antiretroviral therapy for HIV wouldn’t become available until the mid-’90s. But with the love and support of her adoptive parents and her own positive attitude, Hydeia went on to thrive, fighting the stigma associated with the virus for the rest of her life.

 

At the suggestion of HIV advocate Elizabeth Glaser, who was taken with Broadbent’s vivacious nature and irresistible charm, Hydeia began publicly sharing her personal story at age 6. At age 7, she appeared on Nickelodeon with NBA star Magic Johnson; at age 11, she was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show; and in 1996, at age 12, she addressed the Republican National Convention, boldly declaring, “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”

 

To the end, Hydeia used her platform to promote prevention, testing and treatment as acts of self-love and respect for others and her lived experience to spread hope.

Hydeia Broadbent graced the cover of POZ magazine twice

Hydeia graced the cover of POZ magazine twice: first In October 1996 (top right) at age 13 and again in April/May 2017.

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