Sean Sasser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sean Sasser
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| Born | October 25, 1968 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | August 7, 2013 (aged 44) |
| Occupation | Educator, chef, reality television personality, activist |
| Spouse(s) |
Michael Kaplan
(m. 2013) |
| Partner(s) | Pedro Zamora (1994) |
Sean Franklin Sasser (October 25, 1968 – August 7, 2013) was an American educator, chef, and activist. He became well-known for appearing on MTV's TV show The Real World: San Francisco. On the show, his relationship with fellow activist Pedro Zamora was a main focus. They had a special commitment ceremony, which was the first time a same-sex couple exchanged vows on television. This was a very important moment in TV history.
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Early Life and Education
Sean Franklin Sasser was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 25, 1968. He grew up there with his mother and younger sister. Sean went to a private school and later attended Cass Technical High School. This school was known for preparing students for college.
After high school, Sean went to the University of Chicago. He wanted to study ancient civilizations and become an archeologist. However, he found college boring and decided to take a break. Later, a blood test showed that Sean, at 19, had HIV. He then decided to go to culinary school because he loved cooking. He dreamed of opening his own restaurant one day.
Becoming an Activist
After culinary school, Sean worked as a chef in Chicago. But he was worried about his health. He realized he needed to focus on living his life fully. So, he moved to San Francisco, a city with more awareness about HIV. There, he met other young people living with HIV, which helped him feel better.
Sean joined a group that supported young people with HIV. He started speaking to groups about his own experiences. He also helped a support group for young people of color. Sean appeared in several videos for the group, including one shown on PBS. He was even photographed by famous photographer Annie Leibovitz for an AIDS awareness campaign.
Relationship with Pedro Zamora
In 1993, Sean met Pedro Zamora, another AIDS educator, at a march in Washington, D.C.. Sean was impressed by Pedro's passion. He told Pedro to call him if he ever visited San Francisco. Later, Sean learned that Pedro was chosen to be on The Real World in San Francisco. Sean felt Pedro was perfect for the show.
When Pedro moved into The Real World house, he and Sean started dating. Their relationship became a big part of the show. Sean proposed to Pedro, and they had a commitment ceremony in the house. This was a historic moment, as it was the first time a same-sex couple had such a ceremony on television.
Pedro's Illness and Passing
After The Real World finished filming in 1994, Pedro became very ill. He was diagnosed with a serious brain infection. Pedro's family struggled to accept Sean as Pedro's partner. Because Pedro could not speak much, he could not tell his family how important Sean was to him. This caused some difficulties for Sean.
Pedro passed away on November 11, 1994. Sean returned to San Francisco a few days later. Six months after Pedro's death, Sean continued his work speaking about LGBT and HIV issues. In 1995, he spoke at the first White House AIDS conference. President Bill Clinton also appointed him to a special council on HIV/AIDS.
In 2008, a film called Pedro was made about Pedro Zamora's life. Sean was played by actor DaJuan Johnson. Sean felt the movie did not fully show the challenges he faced with Pedro's family during Pedro's illness.
Life After The Real World
Sean Sasser continued his career as a talented pastry chef. He worked at fancy hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and The Nines in Portland, Oregon. In 2012, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked at a restaurant called RIS. He was praised for his delicious homemade ice cream and sorbets. Sean said he wanted to make desserts that people loved, but with a fun, unexpected twist.
In June 2013, Sean married Michael Kaplan. They had been together off and on since the 1990s. While living in Washington, D.C., Sean also served on the board of the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families. He was involved in groups that helped young people. Sean and Michael also became foster parents to a 4-year-old girl.
Death and Lasting Impact
In July 2013, Sean was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer called mesothelioma. He had been living with HIV for 25 years. Sean passed away at his home on August 7, 2013, at the age of 44. His body was cremated, and his ashes were spread in places he loved or wanted to visit. He is survived by his husband, Michael, his mother, Patricia, and his sister.
Sean Sasser and Pedro Zamora's relationship was very important. It helped break down barriers by showing two men in a loving relationship on television. A cast member from Real World: Miami, Dan Renzi, said that Sean bravely brought attention to HIV and gay issues. He helped educate millions of young Americans.
In September 2013, the Sean Sasser Memorial Endowment Fund was created at AIDS United. This fund helps support programs that improve the health of gay men of color. Sean's husband, Michael Kaplan, is the CEO of AIDS United.
In June 2020, Sean Sasser's name was added to the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. This wall is located within the Stonewall National Monument in New York City. It honors American "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes" in LGBTQ rights and history.
See also
In Spanish: Sean Sasser para niños
