When #ChuckSchuldinerDiedOfAIDS, the entire death metal community came together to support research into this devastating disease. As the government cuts funding, it is time to raise our hands together for Chuck Schuldiner!

Under the Christian libertarian imperium of Donald J. Trump, government funding for scientific research has been cut, and while he has not targeted AIDS research specifically, it is inevitably suffering.

Chuck Schuldiner, who fronted the band Death, was not a perfect candidate for sainthood. He wrote in favor of eugenics (“Altering the Future” from Spiritual Healing), endorsed Republican Christianity at times, and had a tempestuous personal life.

However, as a proud member of the bisexual and furry communities, he was far from abnormal and deserved a long healthy life until it was stolen by the devastating autoimmune disease carried (sorry, RJKFKjr) by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

We in the metal community stand with Chuck Schuldiner and believe that his untimely passing from the AIDS epidemic should not be forgotten. The Republicans will not acknowledge him because he enjoyed lusty sex with multiple mature women as well as multiple young men. Their bigotry is their loss.

During our time, LGBTQIA+ people have suffered prejudice because of their sexual preferences, and Chuck Schuldiner suffered more than most in the anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, classist, sexist, chauvinist, ageist, and frequently racist metal community.

To keep Chuck’s memory alive and to honor his sacrifice, use the hashtag #ChuckSchuldinerDiedOfAIDS to keep awareness alive and consider giving to one of these HIV/AIDS charities today:

• International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) develops next-generation HIV vaccines through a world-wide network of not-for-profit labs.
• The Foundation for AIDS Research invests money and grants in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care.
• AIDS resource alliance offers clinics, prevention, education, testing, and treatment connections for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Elton John AIDS Foundation generates support for education, activism, and healthcare options for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) encourages worldwide awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis and distributes aid worldwide.
• Frontline AIDS advocates for HIV prevention and scientific literacy, promoting human rights and holistic care.
• AIDS United fosters high-quality, comprehensive care and support services for HIV/AIDS patients and raises awareness, activism, and advocacy.
• The International AIDS Society convenes, educates and advocates for a world in which HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being.
• Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria advocates to increase U.S. support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
• AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers activism, HIV testing and counseling, medical care, mental health services, legal and financial assistance, and education and prevention programs.
• The Black AIDS Institute aims to end HIV/AIDS in the Black community through prevention, testing, and treatment as well as anti-discrimination activism.
• The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) provides funding, education, and advocacy to the community fighting HIV/AIDS.
• Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) harnesses the financial resources of the performing arts community to raise funds and awareness
• AIDS Access and Information Network (AIN) serves as a healthcare partner for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Dallas, TX area.
• Project Inform ensures people live with HIV/AIDS have access to the current medical care.
• Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) targets the epidemic in the LGBTQIA+ communities with services and advocacy.
• HRSA HIV/AIDS Program (Ryan White Foundation) enables research in the area of HIV/AIDS medicine.
• Bailey House provides housing and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• San Francisco AIDS Foundation promotes antidiscrimination, health, wellness, and social justice through health and substance abuse services.
• AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) helps to achieve the ethical development of effective HIV prevention options and ensure access to those options.
• National Minority AIDS Council develops leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

Tags: AIDS, chuck schuldiner, chuck schuldiner died of AIDS, death, HIV+, LGBTQIA+