The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) and Village Care of New York mourn the passing of Dennis deLeon, a major activist in the fight against AIDS and HIV-related stigma. Dennis was one of the first openly HIV positive public officials in the country and the first New York City major government official to disclose his HIV status.
In an Op-Ed to the New York Times that was published on May 15, 1993, then-New York City Human Rights Commissioner Dennis deLeon disclosed to the nation his HIV status, taking a bold step forward in the fight against HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Stated Dennis in that article:
“If more people proclaim their HIV status, we will change the way society treats persons with the virus. My hope is not based on any expectation that discrimination will end tomorrow but on a sense that it is good to show society that people with H.I.V. are leading productive lives and will tenaciously resist attempts at exclusion.”
Dennis deLeon lead a full and very productive life, leading the Latino Commission on AIDS for the past 15 years as its President, was formerly the Commissioner of Human Rights for New York City, was a lawyer, was appointed Deputy Borough President for Manhattan from 1988-1990, and served as the city’s Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel. He is survived by his partner of 32 years, Bruce Kiernan.
Stated Michelle Lopez, NAPWA board chair: “On behalf of NAPWA, and for each and every person of color living with HIV, we all stand shoulder to shoulder with Dennis DeLeon. We want to thank him and honor him for the meaningful work that has contributed to improving the lives of persons living with HIV and communities of color.”
Frank Oldham, President and CEO of NAPWA and a Village Care board member, stated: “I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dennis deLeon for over two decades and met him when he was working for the City. He leaves behind an amazing and essential HIV organization with wonderful staff, which is a testament to his great leadership. I will miss him as a friend and a fellow AIDS warrior.”
Stated Emma DeVito, President and CEO of Village Care, “It is truly a loss to this community, he was a great leader and advocate for people living with AIDS. He contributed greatly to the fight against AIDS, and particularly to our understanding of the personal toll of the epidemic. He will be missed.”