R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor we will never forget you; without you the initial stages of HIV/AIDS epidemic would have been much worse!

We love you Elizabeth Taylor. R.I.P.  The legend died today at 79 years of age. 

Without Elizabeth Tayor talking about HIV/AIDS in public, holding press conferences, and creating private foundations, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, the public would never have been as educated in the 1980's.

Elizabeth Taylor was perhaps the driving force behind education and awareness during the initial states of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

She was a true legend who never stopped giving back to her fans.

"I don't think President Bush (the first one 1989–1993), is doing anything at all about Aids. In fact, I'm not sure he even knows how to spell Aids." - Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor was the most loyal of friends and a defender of gays in Hollywood when AIDS was new to the industry and beyond.

Artist, AIDS sufferer and activist Aileen Getty is pictured with actress Elizabeth Taylor at an AIDS event. Aileen was, at one time married to Elizabeth Taylor's son, Chris Wilding. 

Her advocacy for AIDS research and for other causes earned her a special Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, in 1993. As she accepted it, to a long ovation, she declared, "I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being — to prove that we are a human race, to prove that our love outweighs our need to hate, that our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame."

The American Foundation for AIDS Research, for which Taylor was a longtime advocate, noted in a statement that she was "among the first to speak out on behalf of people living with HIV when others reacted with fear and often outright hostility."

"She leaves a monumental legacy that has improved and extended millions of lives and will enrich countless more for generations to come," the group said.

She received the Legion of Honor, France's most prestigious award, in 1987, for her efforts to support AIDS research.

In May 2000, Queen Elizabeth II made Taylor a dame — the female equivalent of a knight — for her services to the entertainment industry and to charity.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation released the following statement:

We mourn the loss of legendary actress, businesswoman, and fearless activist Elizabeth Taylor. If you want to honor the memory of Elizabeth, you may do so either by making a contribution in her name to the foundation or by posting a personal message here: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethTaylorTribute

 

Elizabeth Taylor testified before the United States Congress, and many State Legislatures, and State Health Departments about HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and prevention.  

The dark-haired Taylor made an unforgettable impression in Hollywood with "National Velvet," the 1945 film in which the 12-year-old belle rode a steeplechase horse to victory in the Grand National.

Elizabeth Taylor sharred in over 30 films, over 20 special television appearances.

The Westboro Baptist Church have chosen Elizabeth Taylor's funeral to be the site of their next publicity stunt, a daughter of WBC Pastor Fred Phelps announced today.

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