Based upon on the real life story of Pedro Zamora, this DVD builds on the popularity of The Real World: San Francisco, which aired on MTV over 15 years ago. Pedro was one of several housemates who are portrayed in this enactment of the behind and on-scene third season of the series.
Pedro, who immigrated to Miami from Cuba on the Mariel boatlift when he was a boy, was diagnosed with AIDS when he was 17. He became an HIV activist, whose goal was to educate the MTV generation about the epidemic and prevention. The DVD says, “In 1994, Pedro Zamora became the first openly gay, HIV positive man on television…” and this lively film explores not only the man, but an inside view of reality television.
Pedro would be a good addition to a broad queer collection, especially if you have teens in your library.
Reviewed by, Morgan Gwenwald
SUNY New Paltz
