While many may think first of her stunning beauty or iconic screen performances, Elizabeth Taylor was also a tireless activist for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention – and one of the first celebrities to go public in her efforts to combat the disease. Taylor, who died today at the age of 79, began her crusade against AIDS after her dear friend and colleague Rock Hudson died of an HIV/AID-related illness in 1985.
Taylor went on to create the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and also play a significant role in the development of the American Foundation for AIDS Research. She raised millions of dollars towards combating the disease and used her celebrity to spread HIV/AIDS awareness throughout the mainstream media despite rampant controversy and popular stigma surrounding the issue in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Through her fearless work and compassionate presence, Taylor eventually became a prominent ally to the LGBT community.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation invites anyone wishing to post a personal message in Taylor’s memory to visit their Facebook tribute page. Donations in honor of Elizabeth Taylor’s relentless AIDS activism can be made through the foundation’s website.
