Quinn Tivey, grandson of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor and an officer of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), takes immense pride in carrying forward his grandmother’s legacy of advocating for those living with HIV and AIDS. In this article, he shares his unwavering dedication to the cause and the ongoing efforts of ETAF to spread awareness, educate, and eliminate the deep-rooted stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Breaking the Chains: Challenging Prejudice and Discrimination
In collaboration with Gilead Sciences, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation leads the powerful “HIV Is Not A Crime” program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to reform archaic criminal laws and punishments that unjustly target individuals with HIV. These laws, born out of fear and prejudice decades ago, fail to align with the remarkable advancements in contemporary science. It is now widely understood that properly treated HIV-positive individuals with undetectable viral levels pose no risk of transmission.
Overcoming Barriers for a Better Future
These outdated laws act as formidable barriers, perpetuating stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV. Shockingly, over 30 states still treat HIV-positive individuals as criminals, despite no evidence of transmission or malicious intent. Disproportionately affected groups include women, especially transgender women, BIPOC communities, low-income populations, sex workers, and migrants. Black men, in particular, face a higher risk of incarceration and account for nearly half of all new HIV infections.
Elizabeth Taylor’s indomitable spirit continues to inspire us as we take on the “HIV Is Not A Crime” project. Throughout her remarkable life, she fearlessly stood up for her convictions. She never wavered in the face of pressure and was never content with maintaining an unfair or unjust status quo.
Joining Forces: A Call to Action
You too can play a pivotal role in fighting the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. By supporting organizations such as the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, you contribute to raising awareness, educating lawmakers, dispelling myths, and ensuring equitable treatment for all. Together, we can honor Elizabeth Taylor’s incredible legacy and create a world where nobody is judged or criminalized based on their HIV status.
Quinn Tivey, grandson of the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, remains steadfast in advocating for her vision of a world free from the burdens of HIV and AIDS. Through the tireless efforts of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, the voice of advocacy grows stronger, breaking down barriers and working towards a future where prejudice and discrimination have no place. Let us walk in their footsteps and bravely stand up for what is right, just as Grandma did.
