Barbarella's Galaxy: "Ignorance Is Not Bliss"...

Madonna is quite busy these days with humanitarian work. Today she sent an email to HRC’s members and supporters…

Dear fellow equality supporter,

“Love conquers hate.” It’s an iconic message that the Human Rights Campaign’s members and supporters have spread to millions around the United States.

But right now in Russia, LGBT people and our allies who support basic fairness and dignity face a different reality. They are being targeted by hateful new laws that outlaw support for LGBT equality. Even with the 2014 Sochi Olympics just a few months away, fair-minded Russians are facing fines, harassment, and violence at the hand of thugs.

At this dangerous moment in Russian history, we as advocates have a responsibility to speak up and take our hopeful message global. That’s why I’m joining HRC’s Love Conquers Hate Campaign, in hopes that more and more fair-minded people around the world will stand up and fight against the Russian government’s campaign of hate.

Right now, you can send that message directly to the Russian people and proved much-needed support to LGBT advocates in Russia by purchasing the Russian-language Love Conquers Hate t-shirt. And once you have your t-shirt, share a picture of yourself wearing it on social media using #LoveConquersHate. With your help, we can make this simple message go global.

Make no mistake about it: the goal of these hateful laws is to leave LGBT Russians feeling isolated. Worthless. Completely alone.

Together, we can send a message to LGBT Russians that the world is on their side, and that those who seek to support them aren’t alone in this fundamental fight for fairness.

It’s time for love to conquer hate everywhere, for everyone. I hope you’ll stand with me in this fight.

Sincerely,

Madonna Ciconne

ETAF - the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation announced today a number of initiatives that build on Elizabeth Taylor's legacy and passionate commitment to raise awareness and find a cure for HIV/AIDS.

In Malawi, ETAF has partnered with Madonna's charitable organization Raising Malawi to bring the HIV/AIDS prevention and testing program Grassroot Soccer into the communities where Raising Malawi recently built ten schools. The program will also include Raising Malawi's partners in the Mulanje region, one of the highest HIV infection areas in the country.

Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is an impactful program that uses the power of soccer in Africa to teach HIV/AIDS preventions as well as provide testing to young people.

"I'm excited to partner with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to expand Grassroot Soccer's HIV prevention programs in Malawi," said Madonna. "I'm passionate about education especially and these programs give girls and boys the tools they need to live healthier, more productive lives. Elizabeth Taylor was a role model for many, including myself! She devoted a large part of her life to making the world a better place. I know she would be pleased to see her work continue in the fight against AIDS. "

ETAF, in partnership with Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), currently funds mobile medical clinics in Malawi and is pleased to announce the addition of two more for a total of five in the Mulanje region.

In total, the ETAF will award more than $1 million in grants in 2013 to organizations that focus on education, prevention and harm reduction as well as direct services including food & nutrition, housing, direct care and hospice for people living with HIV/AIDS.

These announcements fall on the heels of the recent hiring of ETAF's first Managing Director, Joel Goldman. Goldman will work closely with The Elizabeth Taylor Trust and ETAF's Grants Director, Bill Misenhimer, to continue Elizabeth Taylor's commitment to help those affected by HIV/AIDS. Misenhimer worked directly with Elizabeth Taylor from the time of ETAF's inception, overseeing grants to 600 organizations in 31 countries and 40 U.S. states.

Elizabeth Taylor's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are taking active roles as ambassadors for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, offering their voices and talents to continue Ms. Taylor's legacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Grandson Quinn Tivey recently completed a photojournalism project that examined the core work of his grandmother and of ETAF. Quinn's project went live on Wattpad on World AIDS Day. Each story is introduced with a forward by actress Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries). To view, please click here.

As part of Elizabeth Taylor's passionate commitment and fearless leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, she directed that 25% of all royalties from her name and likeness go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation – including from White Diamonds, the most successful celebrity fragrance of all time.

Because a portion of Elizabeth Taylor's name and likeness royalties fund ETAF's operating costs, 100% of donations to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation go directly to helping people affected by HIV/AIDS. To learn more or to make a donation please visit www.etaf.org