[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF SEAN FRANKLIN SASSER

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Sean Franklin Sasser. Sean was an educator and an activist, and 
dedicated his life to speaking out about HIV/AIDS. Sadly, Sean passed 
away on August 7th, 2013 at the age of 44 after a short battle with 
Mesothelioma.
  Sean was diagnosed with HIV in 1988 when he went to enlist in the 
Navy, and lived for 25 years with the disease. As a young black 
homosexual man living with HIV, Sean organized support for the HIV/AIDS 
community. He was active in Bay Positives, an organization established 
in 1990 as the first peer-run agency in the world for young people 
living with HIV/AIDS. In 1993, he was photographed by celebrated 
American photographer Annie Leibovitz as part of one of the first 
public awareness campaigns about HIV, organized by the San Francisco 
AIDS Foundation.
  In 1993, Sean met Pedro Zamora, who gained fame as part of the cast 
of MTV Real World, San Francisco. Sean and Pedro's on-air relationship 
and marriage was thrown into the national spotlight, bringing 
international attention and putting a human face to the realities of 
HIV/AIDS. Though Sean's on-air presence was short, the impact of their 
televised relationship was great, and after Pedro's tragic death from 
AIDS at the age of 22, Sean went on to become an even greater advocate 
for the HIV/AIDS community.
  Throughout his life, Sean travelled across the country to educate 
others about HIV/AIDS and living with the disease. He spoke at 
colleges, universities, and many organizations including the Gay & 
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the Human Rights Campaign, Health 
Initiatives for Youth, and the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & 
Families. Sean was also a celebrated pastry chef, and just last May 
could be found making homemade ice cream at RIS restaurant in 
Washington D.C.
  Mr. Speaker, this week we lost a great voice for the HIV/AIDS 
community. There are approximately 50,000 new HIV infections every 
year, and only through education, public awareness and community 
outreach can we prevent the spread of the HIV virus. Sean used his 
voice to bring attention to the HIV community, and as we pay tribute to 
his life, we must also continue his efforts. One day at a time, we move 
closer to an AIDS-free generation.
  I offer my heartfelt condolences to Sean's family and his partner 
Michael. Undoubtedly, Sean touched the lives of countless friends and 
strangers alike. He leaves behind a legacy of activism, bravery, and 
service to the HIV community. He will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________