Sylvester James, born in 1947 in Los Angeles, California, came to be known as one of the most influential disco singers of the 1970s, claiming the title "Queen of Disco" before becoming overcome by AIDS. While unfortunately Sylvester was only 40 when he passed away from the disease, he brought major awareness to the epidemic.

 

Not only was Sylvester open about AIDS, but also about his sexuality and gender fluidity as well. He was extremely humble about what he stood as; never once did did he like to consider himself an "ambassador" of the trans community, and when the media called him such he would shake his head say no, he was just "Sylvester". He would say he would do everything HIS way and that was the only way. Through embracing himself and putting AIDS into the spotlight, Sylvester was one unstoppable figure of his time.