HIV/AIDS Clipping Book

Between 1985 and 1996, Elizabeth Taylor’s dear friend and publicist Chen Sam collected news clippings about Elizabeth’s HIV and AIDS advocacy work, compiling them into a series of 68 books that not only detail her extensive activism, but serve as a record of how the disease was discussed in print media throughout this period of time.

Elizabeth’s legacy as a passionate advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness started in 1985 when she agreed to Chair Commitment to Life for AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) — early in terms of widespread awareness and advocacy surrounding the disease. As a result, she is regarded as the first globally recognized celebrity HIV and AIDS activist, whose work not only helped changed public perception but directly supported those living with HIV and AIDS through the establishment of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991. At a time when misinformation, stigma, and fear led the conversation, Elizabeth courageously used her platform to raise funds, influence policy, and bring the discourse about HIV and AIDS into the mainstream, proving that fame could be a powerful force for change.