Billy Porter Credit: Afshin Feiz/Courtesy of Subject The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation is finalizing the program for its Los Angeles fundraiser, a Night of Compassion, by drafting Billy Porter to receive one of the top awards.
The Emmy-winning actor and activist will receive the Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award, while Vanity Fair will receive some shine by taking home the the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. CNN’s Laura Coates is confirmed to host the whole affair from inside a Beverly Hills Hotel ballroom on Sept. 17. Deborah Cox, who broke out with her 1998 smash “Nobody’s Supposed to be Here,” will take the stage to perform at the Gilead Sciences-sponsored event.
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“ETAF is honored to celebrate Billy Porter and Vanity Fair at this year’s Elizabeth Taylor Night of Compassion. Both have used their platforms to raise awareness, inspire change and stand up for communities affected by HIV and AIDS,” said ETAF executive director Catherine Brown. “At a time when so many people living with and at risk of HIV are facing uncertainty, their voices, advocacy and support are more important than ever. We are proud to recognize their commitment and to continue Elizabeth’s legacy of compassion and action.”
Porter, the multi-hyphenate actor, singer, director, producer, composer and playwright, won an Emmy for his work on Ryan Murphy’s FX’s drama Pose. Porter originated the role of Lola in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, which won him a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award, as well as a Grammy for best musical theater album. He won a second Tony as a producer on A Strange Loop. Porter will be seen in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. He broke his silence on his HIV status with a profile in The Hollywood Reporter, published in May 2021, by breaking the shame of his diagnosis. “The truth is the healing,” he said at the time.
Vanity Fair is being singled out for its coverage, dating back to a November 1992 that featured Taylor holding a condom. Most recently, in February, they partnered with ETAF to take over its online homepage. More information on the event can be found here.
Laura Coates of CNN. Courtesy of CNN/Subject Deborah Cox attends the 79th Tony Awards at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2026. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) THR Newsletters
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