Hydeia was born HIV positive and has spent most of her young life advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness. She began her activism at the young age of 12.
The longstanding activist Hydeia Broadbent, who gained recognition as a young person living with HIV/AIDS, passed away at the age of 39.
Her father Loren Broadbent posted a Facebook notice of her passing on Wednesday.
He posted a picture of Hydeia with the caption, “With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth.” “Despite overcoming many obstacles in her life, Hydeia stayed committed to promoting optimism and hope via HIV/AIDS education.”
Broadbent got involved in activism at a young age. She was given up as a baby and eventually adopted from the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. Although it was assumed she had the disease from birth, she was identified as HIV-positive at the age of three, and her diagnosis progressed to AIDS. It was the doctors’ opinion that Broadbent would not live past the age of five.
Shortly after Magic Johnson revealed his own HIV diagnosis to the world in 1992, Broadbent made an appearance on a Nickelodeon special about HIV/AIDS for children. She also shared her tale on a number of TV shows, such as Good Morning America, Oprah, and 20/20.
Johnson posted a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “Hydeia changed the world with her bravery, speaking about how living with HIV affected her life since birth.” She made activism her life’s work and rose to prominence in the HIV/AIDS movement. She assisted a great deal of people, both young and old, by coming out at such an early age. She didn’t hesitate to share her experience, which made it clear to everyone that people living with HIV and AIDS were regular people who deserved respect.”
Millions of people received education, stigmas were dismantled, and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were altered as a result of Hydeia. Her strong voice will be missed much in this world. Johnson continued, “Cookie and I are praying for the Broadbent family and everyone who knew and loved Hydeia.
“I have AIDS and I am the future.” The 12-year-old activist said, “I can do anything I set my mind to,” as she performed a poem before the Republican National Convention in 1996. “The next doctor is me. The next lawyer is me. The next Maya Angelou is me. Perhaps I will be the first female president. You cannot dash my hopes. I have AIDS and I am the future.
Rest In Peace Beautiful One.
🥹🥺💜🕊️🕯️🫶🏾#HydeiaBroadbentpic.twitter.com/X8Gfhn3RjD https://t.co/aI3vBVLM3R— 🌌⋆💜𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒌𝒊💜⋆🌌 (@miss_lady_diva) February 21, 2024
Broadbent committed herself over the years to educating those living with HIV/AIDS about safe sex practices, abstinence, and prevention. “Simply to inform & create dialogue around HIV/AIDS in our homes, communities, educational institutions & churches,” was her stated mission.
She stated on her website, “People think my story does not apply to them because I was born with HIV.” “Well, if you’re conscious and knowledgeable, you can obtain the same sickness that I currently have. I wish to use my experience as a warning on what not to go through.”
Since the two had been best friends since she was thirteen, Jurnee Smollett posted a touching note about Broadbent after learning of her passing.
She commented with a compilation film of their friendship throughout the years, “Watching her continuously triumph over tragedy and use her time here as a beacon of hope was like witnessing the divine in motion.” “My warrior woman, Hydeia, promoted awareness and worked to destigmatize issues around HIV/AIDS. She literally fought for the rest of her life to save the lives of others. Hydeia improved all of us. ACTUALLY, SHE BLAZED TRAILS WHERE NONE EXISTED. Together, she and I matured into women, and Hydeia greatly inspired me to live my life with greater meaning.
“I thank God for her light, her will,” Smollett went on. I will miss her dancing, laughing, and joyful smile that glowed in her gorgeous big cheeks. I will also miss her terrible taste in television, her hilarious way of making fun of the boring nerd inside of me, our long drives while blasting music, the tears we shed together over heartbreaks, the way she wore her heart on her sleeve, and the fact that she could never make it through a motivational speech without crying at some point. That was her middle name: courage. a real goddess possessing strength beyond this earth. a heart of a fighter who persisted through the finish. Rest in peace, my dear. I’ll always love you, Deia. #RIP 💔💔💔 #HydeiaBroadbent
Rae Lewis-Thornton, an author and fellow AIDS campaigner, also sent his sympathy.
She wrote on X, the former Twitter platform, “I’m sad to announce that renowned AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent passed away today.” Our paths crossed so frequently throughout the years that we became friends. My sister, please rest. Your impact will last a lifetime. Well done, good and faithful servant ❤️🙏🏽 I adore you, Deia.
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