01: Bruce Brockway

Everyone touched by HIV has a voice, a face, and a story.  The story of HIV in Minnesota began twenty-five years ago when reports of a new disease dubbed “gay cancer” and subsequently named “GRID” for Gay Related Immuno Deficiency began to surface.  In 1982, HIV took on a personal face and voice in Minnesota when the state reported its first case of this emerging disease. 

Bruce Brockway was the first Minnesotan with HIV.  Bruce, born in St. Paul, was an engaging personality who excelled in a variety of creative endeavors.  He attended the University of Minnesota on a music scholarship and became an accomplished concert pianist.  He also studied philosophy and participated in politics, including a run for office as a state representative.  Bruce also started Positively Gay, the first gay publication in the state and helped organize the first Gay Pride parades and festivals.

Following his diagnosis, Bruce worked as an early advocate to raise awareness of the issue of HIV and create a system to help others dealing with the disease. In fact, Bruce was part of a small, yet powerful, group of gay men from around the country who founded the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA.)  Bruce joined with other activists including Bobbi Campbell from San Francisco and Michael Callen from New York City to create a historic set of recommendations known as the Denver Principles. The Denver Principles rejected labeling those with AIDS as “victims” or “patients.” Bruce felt that being a victim implied defeat and being a patient implied dependence. He preferred the term “people with AIDS” and along with others created a set of expectations for those living with HIV, for health care providers and for those in policy-making positions.  Bruce worked to assure his voice would be heard long after he was gone.

On a local level, Bruce was an early volunteer who helped found the “Minnesota AIDS Medical Project,” later modified to “Minnesota AIDS Project. “   At a time when little was known about HIV, Bruce and other early leaders recognized the need to act and not wait for HIV to hit crisis levels before engaging others to do something.  It is a message that still resonates today – HIV education is something that needs to be done proactively and consistently to limit the spread of this disease.  HIV prevention is a process, not an event.

Robert Bitzan, a friend of Bruce’s, recalls that “as a musician, Bruce had an unbridled passion that fueled his fiery keyboard performances. It was the same passion that sustained—and often amplified—his strong political views in Minnesota’s gay community.  Without sounding morbid, I believe that Bruce was the perfect public voice for AIDS activism in the mid 1980s.  He was aggressive, very intelligent, and understood the power of the media. While we still have a long way to go today, I don’t think that Minnesota’s response to the AIDS crisis would be as strong, nor would we be addressing HIV issues as progressively, without Bruce’s unrelenting energy, pioneering, and drive to learn about the disease that was killing him. “

I don’t think that Minnesota’s response to the AIDS crisis would be as strong . . . without Bruce’s unrelenting energy, pioneering, and drive to learn about the disease that was killing him.

Unfortunately, like many people with HIV in the early years of the disease, Bruce passed away in 1984 as AIDS took hold of his immune system and he could no longer continue his fight.  However, Bruce’s spirit and efforts to help others dealing with HIV continues today through organizations like NAPWA and the Minnesota AIDS Project who work to prevent the spread of HIV in Minnesota and reduce the challenge of living with HIV through programs, partnerships, and initiatives to engage every member of our community to take responsibility and care about HIV.

When the Minnesota AIDS Project moved to its current location in 1994, staff wanted to remember those who came before and created many of the principles the organization still lives by. As such, the largest and most visible room at the agency was named in Bruce’s honor. The memorial Bruce Brockway conference room at the Minnesota AIDS Project is a constant reminder of how HIV has taken so many people from families, friends, and our community.  Bruce’s memory also drives the organization to continue to push forward with courage and dedication to prevention education and service to those living with HIV.

Minnesota AIDS Project wishes to thank Bruce and all those that took the bold step to confront HIV early to help others.   As we mark World AIDS Day 2007, and begin this 25 Years/25 Stories campaign to mark the Minnesota AIDS Project’s 25th year of service, it is important for all Minnesotans to understand where we’ve been and the hope we see for the future as we collectively continue this fight to stop the spread of HIV in our state.

Last Updated: Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Questions about our Web site? Email webmaster@mnaidsproject.org

Content Notice: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this Web site.