Quinn Tivey, 35, serves as an officer for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), dedicated to continuing the legacy of his grandmother, the late Elizabeth Taylor. As her grandson, Quinn reflects on the impact she made during her lifetime and the ongoing work of the foundation.
“My grandmother established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation thirty years ago to offer assistance to those who were afflicted by HIV and AIDS and those who were living with them. Although the fight against HIV/AIDS is ongoing, I’m honored to see ETAF carry on her legacy by educating lawmakers, increasing public awareness, busting myths, and reducing stigma and fear. Grandma, I’m sure, would also be pleased with this effort.”
Addressing Outdated Laws
The “HIV Is Not A Crime” program, a collaboration between ETAF and Gilead Sciences, aims to reform criminal laws that unjustly target individuals living with HIV. Many of these laws were enacted decades ago, driven by fear and stigma rather than contemporary scientific understanding.
These outdated regulations create barriers to progress, fostering discrimination and perpetuating stigma. With modern treatments, individuals with HIV can achieve undetectable viral loads, rendering them non-transmittable. However, despite this advancement, more than 30 states still treat HIV-positive individuals as criminals, often prosecuting them without evidence of transmission or intent to harm.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The repercussions of these laws disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including women, transgender individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), low-income communities, sex workers, and migrants. For instance, Black men are six times more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts, which correlates with nearly half of all new HIV infections occurring in this demographic.
Quinn emphasizes that the work being done through the “HIV Is Not A Crime” initiative would have made his grandmother immensely proud. Elizabeth Taylor lived a life of courage, advocating for justice and standing up for the causes she believed in.
A Legacy of Courage and Advocacy
Quinn reflects on his grandmother’s unwavering spirit, noting that she would never yield to pressure or accept the status quo if it conflicted with her values. Her legacy continues to inspire advocacy efforts that aim to dismantle stigma and promote understanding around HIV/AIDS.
In carrying forward her mission, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation remains committed to education, awareness, and the pursuit of justice for those affected by HIV. Quinn’s dedication to this cause reflects not only his grandmother’s values but also a broader commitment to fostering a more equitable society.
