Rev. Steve Pieters, longtime HIV survivor and AIDS activist, has died at age 70.
Spokesperson Harlan Boll announced that the AIDS activist and pastor died Saturday in Los Angeles after an infection left him hospitalized for two weeks,Deadlinereports. Additionally, Brad Bessey — the Director of Communications and Talent Relations at nonprofit Project Angel Food — shared in aFacebookstatement that Pieters had been battling gastrointestinal cancer that metastasized.
Pieters was born on August 2, 1952 in Andover, Massachusetts. In 1976, he decided to pursue professional ministry and received his Master of Divinity Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1979 before accepting a position as pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford, Connecticut.
Tammy Faye and Rev. Steve Pieters interview.
However, in 1985, he became the first patient in an antiviral drug trial to treat HIV, which resulted in both of his cancers going into remission. The drug was later discontinued due to its toxic side effects, but Pieters’ cancers remained in remission.
That same year, Pieters became a national spokesperson for AIDS awareness and gay political activism after his historic interview with televangelistTammy Fayeon her broadcast, which defied the network’s homophobic tendencies.
Jessica Chastain and Rev. Steve Pieters.ANGELA WEISS/AFP
ANGELA WEISS/AFP
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“Steve Pieters was an inspiration and advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS for over 35 years. He was a constant reminder that God is LOVE,” she wrote. “Rest In Peace sweet angel Steve. You made a difference in the lives of so many and you will be missed 🤍@aspieters.”
In the spring of 2024, Pieter’s memoirLOVE is Greater Than AIDS: A Memoir of Survival, Healing, and Hopewill be published, detailing his journey recovering from AIDS in the 80s and the health challenges he faced in Hollywood since.
source: people.com
