Billy Porter, Vanity Fair, and Deborah Cox Headline ETAF’s 2026 Night of Compassion
Deborah Cox. Photo Credit: Sequoia Emmanuelle Photography
Decades after Elizabeth Taylor turned Hollywood glamour into relentless activism, her legacy continues to rally those on the front lines of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. On September 17, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) will gather at The Beverly Hills Hotel for its annual Night of Compassion—an evening dedicated to honoring the voices, stories, and institutions keeping that crusade alive.
This year’s top honor, The Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award, goes to Billy Porter. The Emmy, Tony, and Grammy-winning powerhouse has never separated his art from his advocacy. From his groundbreaking role on FX’s Pose to his broad-reaching work championing LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness, Porter embodies the bold, unapologetic spirit that defined Taylor’s own activism.
Billy Porter. Photo Credit: Afshin Feiz
Vanity Fair will receive The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. The publication’s history with ETAF runs deep: in November 1992, the magazine shattered mainstream media taboos by featuring Taylor holding a condom on its cover. That allyship remains steadfast, demonstrated earlier this year when Vanity Fair handed over its homepage to ETAF to shed light on outdated HIV criminalization laws and ongoing social stigma.
Hosted by CNN’s Laura Coates, the gala will be anchored by a special live performance from Grammy and Tony-nominated artist Deborah Cox. Currently starring on Broadway as "Unsinkable" Molly Brown in Titanique, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee brings her iconic vocals and long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community to the stage.
Laura Coates. Photo Credit: CNN
Along with Cox's performance and the awards presentation, guests will get an exclusive look into history with a preview of rare items from The Elizabeth Taylor Archive. In an era where communities living with and at risk of HIV still face systemic hurdles, the Night of Compassion serves as a vital reminder that advocacy isn't just a moment—it’s a lasting commitment.
For more information visit: https://elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/