Steve Pieters is in a fight for his life. Again.

Steve Pieters is an indomitable spirit who has lived a life of grace and service. Overcoming tremendous hardships, he has never let his challenges get him down and dedicated his energy to helping others. Now at 70 years of age, he is undertaking what his doctor calls “the fight of his life.” We, who are lucky enough to be his friends, are asking for help to sustain him so that he can focus on fighting cancer and beating it yet again.

Here are just a few facts about a life studded with accomplishments:

• Steve is one of the longest-surviving AIDS patients in the US.

• Defied all the odds: Steve was diagnosed with GRID (HIV/AIDS) in 1982. For the next two years, he fought and conquered hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, pneumonia, mononucleosis, shingles, herpes, fungal infections, stage IV lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. In April 1984, he was told he had eight months to live and would not see age 33. Steve died four times from medical emergencies. And yet, he celebrated his 70th birthday on 8/2/2022.

• Lived to serve others: An ordained minister in the Metropolitan Community Church, he has spent his life ministering to the LGBTQ+ community, especially those with HIV/AIDS. Throughout his life, Steve has maintained a positive, joyful and loving attitude about life and those around him.

• A pioneer in raising awareness and empathy for gay rights and those suffering HIV/AIDS, Steve crossed over boundaries to reach the hearts and minds of as many people as possible. In 1985, barely two weeks after one of his near-death experiences, he became the first gay man to be spoken to on the air by a televangelist; his interview with Tammy Faye Bakker became a groundbreaking outreach success to many in the evangelical community.

Link to Tammy Faye interview

• That history-making landmark interview inspired Jessica Chastain to produce “The Eyes of Tammy Faye," with the interview as a central plot point in the Academy Award-winning movie.

Link to Stephen Colbert interview

• In 2019, the Smithsonian asked Steve for materials from his life for their LGBTQ+ collection, including the fairy wand he used to bring to his speaking engagements. It was his way to change the word “fairy” from an insult into a term of pride, ownership and self-love for his community.

• Steve is now in a fight for his life. He has been diagnosed with malignant tumors in his stomach, esophagus, liver and lymph nodes, requiring radiation and chemotherapy.

• We are asking for financial support for all of the costs he is now facing for transportation, logistical and living assistance, and medical treatment. Please help us give back to Steve for all he has given to us throughout his life.

• Rest assured, Steve intends to defeat these odds too, and survive yet again through faith, joy, humor and ebullient love.

• More info on his life here:

Link to Plus Talk interview

And here, in a short film narrated by Jessica Chastain:

Link to Jessica Chastain narration

• All funds raised in this campaign will go directly to Steve.