Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Now is not the time to be silent.
2024 is an election year, and it’s more important than ever for LGBTQ+ people to fight for their rights.
The 32nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party was held in West Hollywood, California on Sunday, with notable figures from all walks of the entertainment world showing their support.
Co-hosted by Elton John, David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and Tiffany Haddish, the event supported the Foundation's passionate work to end the AIDS epidemic. It raised a record $10.8 trillion.
In addition to the incredible amount of money raised to support the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, many celebrities were interviewed. defender It's to show their pride and let the other team know they're not going anywhere.
david furnish
David Furnish, who has been married for 10 years, was Elton John's right-hand man and helped build the Elton John AIDS Foundation into the behemoth it is today.
“I saw the power of the LGBTQ+ community in this disease in the '80s. It was a death sentence. While people were dying, the LGBTQ+ community rose up and came together to fight the entire course of this epidemic. “I'm proud to be a part of that community. Advocates are real heroes, real warriors. We fought for medical advances that changed the world.” We’re just continuing that fight by making sure we have access to the medicines we fought so hard to get,” Furnish said.
orville peck
South African Orville Peck has expressed his support for Elton John's Foundation and is proud to do his part to help those in need.
“I am a huge Elton fan and a dear friend. This cause is very important to me. In my home country, South Africa, the AIDS epidemic has been going on for decades. I will always be open to prejudice. We've been very vocal about getting rid of it.'' It's the cause of HIV and AIDS,'' Peck said.
The openly proud LGBTQ+ country singer is calling on everyone in the community to come together as the election approaches.
“Togetherness really is the answer. We can sometimes get caught up in each other's little differences. We have a lot to worry about. It's important to maintain our sense of community. ”
Michaela Jay Rodriguez
Legendary and outspoken transgender actress Michaela Haye Rodriguez has been at the forefront of the fight for equality for the queer community and shows no signs of slowing down.
“We are trying to end the fight against AIDS and HIV in 2030. The only way to achieve that is by spreading awareness. We are not sitting around doing nothing. No. , it's not our job, there's no need to be afraid.'' Now is the time to live. Please allow as much grace as possible. I think that's the easiest way to show that you're humble and intend to stand the test of time. I choose to stand the test of time rather than forgive anything. Just like any other election, contact me. Let's take it seriously. We have lives and We’re going to do it, and this is where it starts.”
chris colfer
new york times Chris Colfer, a best-selling author and award-winning actor, is an active board member of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Star continues to wear pride as a badge of honor and encourages everyone to do the same.
“It's important to go out and remind people that we're not going to disappear. Register to vote. We have to outdo our opponents at all costs. That's what we have to do, and we have to be smart about what we do and what we do.'' “Remember that we are part of the world's most joyful community.'' That's also very important. We know how to have fun better than anyone else.”
Shangela
Drag legend Shangela is known for her energetic personality and incredible work ethic, both in her personal and professional life.
Starr is also bringing these important qualities to her efforts as she heads to the polls later this year.
“With so much going on in the world, it's important for us to stay informed. It's important that we stay involved. It's important that we stay present, and it's important for us to stay informed. We're talking about voting. Don't forget that. People voted for the Oscars. Please vote in the election! Halleloo!”
While many LGBTQ+ Americans are feeling anxious this year, Shangela encourages everyone to turn fear into motivation.
“Don't live in fear. The stakes in this election are very high. Don't let it close your mind. Let it empower you. Go out and make your voice heard. It's important that even in the face of adversity, and believe me… I'm a girl who has faced adversity in my life, okay? Even now, but I don't give up. I keep going. And I want people to do the same.”
sasha colby
reigning queen and winner rupaul's drag raceSasha Colby not only gushed about her relationship at Elton John's iconic party, but also reminded everyone of the importance of voting.
“Remember, this is a vote. This is the first time you will have a say in our government. Be active and vote with your heart.”
Manila Luzon
Manila Luzon is also a symbolic queen to compete rupaul's drag race And she has actively used her platform to advocate for equality between the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities.
“Love yourself. Love our allies. Go out and register and make your voice heard.”
Gigi Good
fashion diva and rupaul's drag race alum Gigi Goode brought transgender beauty to the world with her iconic runway moments.
The Queen never backs down from the other side that might tell her she can't live her truth.
“I think the best form of protest is to keep fighting. As long as they see you living your life without any repercussions and without a care, you can't let them project onto you.” What we're doing isn't working. We just have to keep fighting and keep living.''
chris olsen
Chris Olsen is one of the most recognizable faces on TikTok, with millions of people watching his content every day.
The star is using her platform to advocate for queer families.
“What matters most in these times is community. Specifically, the queer community can be divided over small things. This is the only time we need to come together. We stay united. If we can, perhaps we can continue to move forward in love.” ”
Johnny Sibilly
Johnny Sibilly is known for many notable acting projects such as; queer as folk, hackand Pause.
The actor hopes people across the country can take inspiration from celebrities who are using their platforms to advocate for change.
“If we don't come out and show all of our beautiful abilities, no one will be able to watch at home and say, 'There I am!' I think it's really important to show the joy that still exists in the world. The world can be a better place if we come together for a good cause.”
dexter mayfield
Viral sensation and model Dexter Mayfield proudly shows his pride in every way he can in his latest dance video to Beyoncé's latest hit, “TEXAS HOLD 'EM.”
In addition to her popular clips, the star has also been on the streets fighting for equality.
“There's too much at stake. We really have to come out there, amplify our voices, go to the polls and say what we want to say.”
Daniel Franzese
mean girls Actor Daniel Franzese is not only known for his role in this iconic film, but he is also doing more than ever for the LGBTQ+ community.
This week, Starr will be lobbying Congress with AIDSWatch on behalf of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
“None of us will be truly happy and free until we eradicate this disease and allow even the most marginalized among us to walk the streets happy and free. . We must continue to work and make sure all of our brothers are safe, happy and healthy.”
Justin Sylvester
Justin Sylvester is a popular news personality who has appeared on the following shows. Eh!news and Today's show.
As a true and proud member of the community, he reminds everyone that even when times are tough, queer people have always been able to fight back.
“We remember that struggle. We must remind our gay brothers, lesbian sisters, and LGBTQ+ brothers that we once suffered. We must lift each other up. We have to. We’re coming!”
