full size Elton John at the 10th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Benefit on October 26, 2011 in New York City
Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Photo:
Elton John at the 10th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Benefit on October 26, 2011 in New York City

Sir Elton John isn’t just a mega-famous singer/songwriter: An out and proud gay man, he’s also a dedicated activist in the movement to end AIDS.

Elton, who founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) in 1992, contributed a passionate op-ed to The Huffington Post to commemorate World AIDS Day, a global health event held every December 1 that is dedicated to raising awareness of the massive worldwide impact of HIV.

He writes,

Working together, I believe my little son Zachary and his generation can live to see a future without AIDS. But to get there, we have serious work to do. We must fight stigma, homophobia, and apathy. We must learn to love and value our lives and our health. We must be honest in our own relationships. [...] But more than anything, we must educate and mobilize young people to join the fight not only AGAINST the AIDS epidemic, but also FOR health and acceptance and love.

Listen to the Rocket Man!

According to its website, EJAF supports HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, EJAF has raised over $220 million in support of projects in 55 countries around the world.

Join the ranks of celeb supporters Hayden Panettiere, Emma Thompson, Heidi Klum, Kelly Osbourne, Kirsten Dunst, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Simon Cowell, and Victoria Beckham — and donate here!

Source: HuffPo


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