Elton John AIDS Foundation

Our Grants Portfolio Lead, Columbus Ndeloa, was in Uganda last week meeting with our partners, government officials, and the Ugandan AIDS Commission to discuss the lifechanging work being done to support people living with or at risk of HIV. This included visiting a health center in Kakiri, meeting with health workers and seeing first-hand how funding from the Foundation is helping key populations access HIV testing, treatment, and preventative methods like PrEP.

Today on National LatinX AIDS Awareness Day, we’re drawing attention to the health disparities faced by LatinX communities in the U.S. In 2022, Latinx people accounted for 33% of new HIV cases, despite being only 18% of the population in the US. Behind these numbers are real stories, like those of Carmelo and Will, who’ve found support and friendship through San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF, /sāf/), a grantee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Discrimination, language, lack of healthcare access and HIV stigma are just some of the barriers that prevent individuals from receiving HIV services and support. Carmelo and Will’s journeys show the power of community, care, and compassion in overcoming these obstacles. Learn about Will and Carmelo’s stories as LatinX individuals living with HIV: https://buff.ly/3AaXQbT #NLAAD Photo credit: Sean Black

We are immensely proud that our wonderful supporter, friend and Rocket Fund Co-Chair Donatella Versace was honored last week with The Galileo Foundation’s Prophet of Philanthropy Award 🧡 Thank you, Donatella for being an incredible advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community, and for your unwavering generosity over the years. You inspire us all to lead with love and compassion 🏳️🌈 📷 Andrew Archeos

🏳️🌈On National Coming Out Day, we recognize and celebrate the courage it takes to live openly and authentically 🏳️🌈 In honor of this important day, Billy Porter and the Elton John AIDS Foundation visited Vision Community Foundation, a grantee of the Foundation in Atlanta, to witness the impact of safe spaces—places where acceptance is unconditional, and everyone, no matter their background or who they love, is embraced with open arms. You can help extend the reach of welcoming spaces like these. Every donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation today will be matched, up to $25,000, courtesy of the Foundation’s board member, Thomas E. Moore III 🧡 Remember, you’re never alone. Your community is out there. Reach out, and you'll find it. 👉 Donate to support our work: https://lnkd.in/e4n7_eXq 👉 Learn more about our visit to Atlanta with Billy Porter: https://lnkd.in/eTTDCQEZ Film by Highway Child Music by Billy Porter, “Not Ashamed”

We couldn’t more proud of our Founder, Elton John, for receiving the Legacy Award at the 2024 Attitude Awards! Elton is only the second person to receive this special honor, following Prince Harry's acceptance of the award in 2017 on behalf of Princess Diana.   This recognition highlights Elton’s incredible musical career as well as his unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, his tireless work in tackling HIV stigma, and the lasting impact he’s made on communities worldwide. His passion continues to inspire us all, and we’re beyond thrilled to see him honored for his efforts.   Join us in celebrating Elton’s legacy 🧡 Attitude Magazine UK

In celebration of 🏳️🌈 National Coming Out Day 🏳️🌈 tomorrow, contributions made now through October 11 at midnight will be doubled! Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to the generosity of Elton John AIDS Foundation’s board member, Thomas E. Moore III 🧡 Your donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation has the power to make impactful and lasting change for LGBTQ+ communities around the world.

Today on #WorldMentalHealthDay, we’re sharing Cetoya’s powerful story – a story of resilience, community, and hope. Formally a client at Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition, Cetoya now works as a referral specialist, helping people access the support they need, including mental health support, health insurance, food stamps, clothes and more. We met Cetoya during our recent visit to Atlanta, where she opened up about her own mental health journey after learning about her HIV status: “I lost myself. I stopped doing everything. I didn’t care about anything. Then I met the people at Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition. They saw something in me that I didn’t see. They helped me with work, housing and my mental health. Now I’m the face that tells people it gets better. Never give up hope - always have hope. I’m not HIV. I’m living with HIV. There’s a big difference – HIV does not define the person that you are.” Photo credit: Sean Black

Rocket Man Resale is returning tomorrow on eBay with another gem-filled drop of pre-loved pieces from Elton John himself. Shop cozy fall layers while making a difference—100% of sales benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Find your autumn must-haves: https://buff.ly/3XXqXaA

“Whenever I used a service from a health center, a bank or even bought groceries from the store, I often felt judgement,” share Ejau*, a young transgender woman from a small village in Uganda. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda is widespread, where in 2023, the country introduced one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, making life even more difficult and isolating for people like Ejau. Ejau has faced horrific challenges. “They blindfolded me and roughed me up. One of them kept laughing while another kicked my groin area repeatedly before pulling a knife and slashing at my testicles.” Ejau was referred to one of the Elton John AIDS Foundation's partners where she received vital medical care, counseling, and resources to help her survive as a transgender woman in a society that marginalizes and discriminates against her community. *Name has been changed to protect individual’s identity.

Our CEO, Anne Aslett, sat down with Ryan Hampton – Advocate and Author – to discuss why showing compassion and support to people who use drugs is essential to ending new cases of HIV. Ryan is donating $10,000 from his book Fentanyl Nation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 2024, regardless of sales, in recognition of our shared values. 📖 https://lnkd.in/eja9fHYj