Editor Quits Because Of A.ld.s. (Press, 4 September 1986)

William Cox, the managing editor of Hawaii’s largest newspaper, the Honolulu "Star-Bulletin," has resigned and publicly revealed that he has been diagnosed with AIDS. In an editorial column, Cox announced that he would be going on disability due to his illness. He expressed a desire to shed light on AIDS, which he referred to as one of society's darkest corners, and advocated for openness regarding the disease to combat the stigma and fear that surrounds it. Cox highlighted that keeping AIDS a secret only perpetuates shame and guilt for those affected. He stated that his decision to disclose his condition, although an invasion of his own privacy, aimed to educate the public and provide comfort to others with the illness, reinforcing that individuals with AIDS should not be treated like pariahs. Cox did not disclose how he contracted AIDS, but he noted the disease's devastating impact on the immune system, making affected individuals vulnerable to various infections and cancers. As of August 18, 1986, the Federal Centre for Disease Control reported that 24,011 cases of AIDS had been diagnosed in the United States, resulting in 13,272 deaths. The disease is primarily spread through sexual contact, though it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, shared contaminated needles, and from mother to child during birth. Cox's resignation and candid discussion of his illness highlights the urgent need for understanding and compassion around AIDS as the disease continues to affect many people in the community.

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