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John-Manuel Andriote

Fantastic and important piece recalling what Bruce Ward rightly describes as the turning point in public awareness of AIDS. After Rock Hudson's announcement, every major news magazine carried front-page stories about the epidemic, usually fear-mongering to get heterosexuals' attention. I was in journalism school at the time of Hudson's announcement, wondering how I could contribute my time and talent to help my gay community respond to the epidemic. As it turned out, it has defined my career.

October 2, 2019 • Norwich, Connecticut

Harleymc

For many, Rock Hudson's death was NOT the first person with AIDS who died, he was not the first we knew about, or the first we cared about or the first we cared for. I had a lot of trouble giving any credence to the media frenzy after their years long cynical silence around people dying of a preventable illness.

October 11, 2015

David

I was diagnosed about the same time. I am sorry Rock was one of the unfortunate ones who didn't live to see the drugs that saved so many of us. He sure was an idol for me growing up!

October 6, 2015

Chip Phillips

Another powerful and moving piece. Thank you.

October 4, 2015

Pam

Thank you for sharing this story and your memory of it, Bruce.

October 3, 2015