Billy Porter Honored With Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award for HIV/AIDS Advocacy

Billy Porter Honored With Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award for HIV/AIDS AdvocacyBilly Porter is being recognized for decades of activism supporting the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Emmy and Tony Award-winning performer will receive the Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award at the Elizabeth Taylor Night of Compassion on September 17 at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The annual gala celebrates individuals and organizations tackling HIV/AIDS awareness, fighting stigma and supporting affected communities. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation selected Porter for using his prominence to champion equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

“His work as Pray Tell on Pose helped bring important stories about the HIV/AIDS crisis and LGBTQ+ life to a global audience,” the foundation noted in announcing the honor.

Porter’s career has been marked by both critical acclaim and activism. He won an Emmy for his role on the FX series Pose, which explored the lives of LGBTQ+ people during the AIDS crisis. On Broadway, he originated the role of Lola in Kinky Boots and later produced A Strange Loop, earning Tony Awards for both. In 2024, he received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award specifically for his activism and advocacy work.

The foundation, established by Elizabeth Taylor in 1991, continues to fund HIV/AIDS care, prevention and treatment access while combating discrimination against those living with the virus.

This year’s event will also honor Vanity Fair with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. CNN anchor Laura Coates will host the evening, which features a performance by Grammy and Tony-nominated artist Deborah Cox. Attendees will also get an exclusive look at rare pieces from the Elizabeth Taylor Archive.