Metro Weekly

Elton John and PEPFAR team up to fight HIV/AIDS

“People, no matter who they love, who they are, should have a right to be AIDS-free.”

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— Sir Elton John, speaking with Secretary of State John Kerry prior to a meeting between both men.

Secretary Kerry announced that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, will be collaborating with the Elton John AIDS Foundation in a $7 million partnership, which, Secretary Kerry stated, will “help bring additional assistance to people and help us meet this goal of an AIDS-free generation,” adding, “We’re going to continue to work together to bring this help to all those folks, particularly in the LGBT community, who need. this particular assistance.”

“To be able to combine with PEPFAR, from our foundation’s point of view, is a dream come true, because together, you double the effect,” Sir Elton John said. “We all work together to ensure that in this day and age, nobody gets left behind no matter what their sexuality, their color, or whatever. It’s important. If people get left behind, the disease will get left behind, and we will face an enormous uphill battle.” The legendary British singer and LGBT icon will appear at the 18th Annual HRC National Dinner, where he is being honored for his work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Image Credit: David Shankbone / Flickr

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