Hydeia Broadbent:1984-2014

HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, known for her inspirational talks as a young child, dies at 39

Her appearance on a Magic Johnson TV special at 7 years old gave voice to those suffering from the stigma of being HIV-positive

Hydeia Loren Broadbent (June 14, 1984 – February 20, 2024) was an American HIV/AIDS activist, advocating through her numerous appearances in national media and as a spokesperson for notable foundations.

Born with HIV, Broadbent began taking part in trials for treatment of HIV at the age of three. Living with HIV her entire life, she began making appearances to raise awareness of it as a child, notably at the 1996 Republican National Convention. She described the disease as “a life sentence…you’ll be taking pills forever, going to the doctor and fighting for insurance forever.”