Pedro Zamora's Fight

I was elated to see Bunim Murray Production's latest film about AIDS activist and MTV Real World cast member, Pedro Zamora (http://www.pedrothemovie.com), for several reasons. First, Pedro Zamora's life is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the unique brand of optimism and hope, found within immigrant American communities, which helps fuel this country. It may be hard to understand today, but in early 90's, when Pedro was speaking to high school students in Miami about HIV/AIDS, it took courage. People living with AIDS were akin to lepers. During that time, some religious groups saw AIDS as God's punishment for same sex intimacy and activity.
Second, Pedro, a Cuban-American, who immigrated to the US with his family on the Mariel boatlift, gave HIV/AIDS (and sexuality) a face. Pedro was intelligent, handsome, young, well-spoken, hard working—“normal". With his smile and likability, he humanized a demonized disease. On Real World San Francisco, we all got to know and live with someone living with AIDS. This is especially true for me, since I was also a cast member of Real World San Francisco. Pedro was my roommate and friend.
Third and most importantly, Americans seemed to have collectively forgotten about HIV/AIDS. In the USA, AIDS is the #1 killer of African-Americans. Low-income Americans and young people are contracting STDs and HIV at an alarming rate. Globally, AIDS is ravaging populations in Africa, India, and Asia. Pedro would always say that if he could just make one person think and put on a condom before they had sex, he would have done a life's work. Well, I miss you, man. I think it's time we not only revisit your story and your work, but we work to re-institute your dream of an AIDS-free world.
The ABCs of AIDS prevention:
A=Abstinence
B=Be Faithful
C=Condoms
For more information:

Pedro The Movie
Center for Disease Control 
AIDS.gov

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