Pedro Zamora

PedroZamora1993

Pedro Zamora (February 29, 1972 – November 11, 1994) was a Cuban-American AIDS educator and television personality. He became a prominent figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS and was best known for his appearance on MTV's reality television series The Real World: San Francisco.

Early Life

Pedro Zamora was born in Diezmero, San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, Cuba. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1980 as part of the Mariel boatlift. The family settled in Hialeah, Florida, where Zamora attended Hialeah High School. He was an excellent student and became involved in various extracurricular activities.

HIV Diagnosis

At the age of 17, Zamora was diagnosed with HIV. This diagnosis profoundly impacted his life and led him to become an AIDS educator. He began speaking at schools, universities, and conferences, sharing his personal story to raise awareness about the disease and promote safe sex practices.

The Real World: San Francisco

In 1994, Zamora was cast in the third season of The Real World, which was set in San Francisco. His participation in the show brought national attention to the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Zamora's openness about his condition and his relationship with his partner, Sean Sasser, were groundbreaking for the time and helped to humanize the disease for many viewers.

Legacy

Pedro Zamora's impact on the public perception of HIV/AIDS cannot be overstated. His courage and advocacy work have been credited with changing the way the disease is viewed and discussed. After his death, numerous awards and scholarships were established in his name to continue his work in AIDS education and prevention.

Death

Pedro Zamora passed away on November 11, 1994, at the age of 22, due to complications from AIDS. His death occurred just hours after the final episode of The Real World: San Francisco aired.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS in the United States
• The Real World
• AIDS activism
• LGBT rights in the United States