Making a Change
Ryan White escorted by principal, Ron Colby, after returning to school, 1986
When White returned to school, he had to use his own private bathroom in the back of the school and was required to use disposable plates and cutlery. He was shunned by other students, but mainly by the parents of children who refused to let their children attend the same school as him. Things were tough for his mother too. For example, cashiers avoided touching her hands at the supermarket while giving change.
"I truly believe the coverage that was given really helped Ryan... go back to school. Ryan's story had AIDS in the forefront of everyone's mind in the country."
- Ron Colby, principal of Western Middle School, describing how he thought Ryan was able to make it back into school, 1986
After multiple incidents involving the family's home in Kokomo, including a bullet hole found in their window, they moved to Cicero, Indiana, where they were welcomed by the community. Jill Stuart, the president of the student body, decided to bring in medical experts to talk to the students so that they could educate their parents.
''After seeing a person like Ryan White - such a fine and loving and gentle person - it was hard for people to justify discrimination against people who suffer from this terrible disease.''
- Thomas Brandt, spokesman for the National Commission on AIDS, describing how Ryan helped to lessen discrimination against people with AIDS, 1990
The nation dealt with homophobia as the number AIDS patients rose. White fought against bigots who believed that AIDS was just a punishment to gay men and drug users. White died at the age of 18 after battling AIDS for 5 years, but his impact can still be felt today.
Elton John and Jeanne White-Ginder with Ryan as he lays dying, 1990
"Ryan's mission was for us to fight the disease instead of fighting the gays, drug users and the so-called innocent victims. Everyone is an innocent victim of this disease. We need to find a cure."
- Jeanne White-Ginder, describing what Ryan did and why it was important, 1991