Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)

Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946 to Parsi Indian parents, was the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. Widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in rock history, he was known for his four-octave range, flamboyant showmanship, and songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love." Mercury had romantic relationships with men and women and lived much of his life close to Mary Austin, whom he called his common-law wife. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1987 and publicly confirmed he had AIDS on November 23, 1991, dying of AIDS-related bronchopneumonia the next day at age 45. His openness at the end of his life helped raise awareness of the epidemic, and he remains a lasting queer cultural icon.