Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of Queen, passed away on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS, specifically bronchopneumonia.
Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis was a significant moment in the 20th-century health crisis, as he became one of the highest-profile cases alongside Magic Johnson.
Despite his flamboyant lifestyle and numerous relationships, Mercury’s actual šāÆšual orientation and the circumstances surrounding his AIDS contraction remain subjects of speculation.
Mercury’s first long-term partner was Mary Austin, whom he referred to as the love of his life, and he reportedly wrote the song “Love of My Life” for her.
Jim Hutton, Mercury’s last partner, was accused by tabloids of transmitting AIDS to him, but it was later revealed that Mercury had passed the disease to Hutton.
The stigma surrounding AIDS during the 1980s led to negative media portrayals of Mercury, overshadowing his contributions to music and the LGBTQ+ community.
Mercury’s legacy endures through his music and the impact he had on fans and artists worldwide, affirming his status as a rock legend and LGBTQ+ icon.