Breaking Barriers

Breaking the Stigma of AIDS

Unfortunately, on April 8, 1990, Ryan White lost his fight to HIV/AIDS. Throughout the five years that Ryan White was infected with AIDS, he fought very hard to eliminate the stigma attached to him, and others with the disease. He also fought for his human rights and the rights of other carriers. Ryan White describes the patience and continual effort he put forth in order to break the social barrier when he said, “We had great faith that with patience, understanding, and education, that my family and I could be helpful in changing their minds and attitudes around.” This quote explains how Ryan wanted to educate others about his disease and show them the reality of it. Ryan longed to be treated the same as his peers. He strove to inform people about AIDS so that the world would be better for those who came after him. Although Ryan may not have been able to experience the progress that he ultimately made, his activism and selfless actions helped pave the way to a brighter future for those with HIV/AIDS. 

Living a Normal Life

Jeanne White-Ginder, 2007.

Ryan White with Rob Lowe

[Image courtesy of hemaware.org]