28 years ago today Rock Hudson's announcement changed the world.

[William769]

That may not mean much to a lot of people but it was a turning point for the AIDS epidemic.

Before Rock Hudson's death there were no viable treatment to fight this horrible disease Thats why he went to France looking for treatment. It was there he came out publicly that he had AIDS. He died less than 3 months later but he set in motion to get life saving drugs in America. For that I thank you and may you rest in peace.

ETA: Changed headline and his date of death is October 2, 1985. I apologize for messing up & posting before fact checking.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Hard to believe it's been that long ago. I adored Rock Hudson as did

many women.

[bigwillq]

2. RIP

[spanone]

3. k&r...

[geek tragedy]

4. Where I grew up, that tragic story was treated as a source of humor

with a lot of really ghastly 'jokes' that were really hate speech warmed over. Looking back, it's like growing up in a river of sewage and not noticing the smell.

RIP Rock.

[William769]

5. Was the same way where I lived.

I was horrified.

[geek tragedy]

6. I wish I had been mature and compassionate enough to be horrified.

Instead, was typical North Dakota 13 year old and internalized the bigotry and the cruelty.

People ask me if I'd ever more back. Hard to avoid rolling eyes.

[William769]

8. I was in my early 20's and Gay (I was in MIami).

Given your age at the time & where you were, understandable.

[geek tragedy]

10. The indiscretions of youth--I thought Braveheart was a good film when it came out nt

[MicaelS]

7. That disease literaly destroyed him.

I used to watch him all the time on McMillan and Wife 1971-1977 (this dates me). As well as his movies. He was terrific. He was also a masculine icon to me. I was shocked when a woman friend told me he was gay, and I never knew it. I was horrified to see the picture taken with Doris Day shortly before his death.

[William769]

11. I had the biggest crush on him when I was a kid

Not even knowing he was Gay. He just appealed to me.

[Brickbat]

9. The older I get, the more I understand the risk, courage and importance of his announcement.

Thanks for the reminder.

[William769]

12. It's one way to make sure history never repeats itself.