Some diamonds are indeed forever

[greatbear]

I don't think I have to tell anyone that Elizabeth Taylor died recently, it's all over the news and blogs. But I just read where she has left the bulk of her estate to AIDS charities, including one she helped found in the 80s. Amazing. Even more astonishing is the gift will most likely be well in excess of half a billion dollars. That's with a "b", as in Carl Sagan's favorite word. Wow.

Ms. Taylor was an early champion of GLBT issues at a time when Ronnie Reagan would not lift a finger to help, much less even say the word "AIDS" at the most critical time of the crisis. To this day Republicans still vilify LGBT folk for their own political and monetary gain. As for you "gay Republicans" still talking up changing the party from within, stop with the delusions already.

Thank you, Ms. Elizabeth. Your diamond will truly shine forever.

Comments

[erstexman.livejournal.com]

Not many true "stars" left in Hollywood - just a lot of overpaid wannabes...

Funny story from George Hamilton that I heard on the radio. She was vacationing with him in Spain and went sunbathing nude on the balcony. Some paparazzi got photos of her and put the word out he would sell to the highest bidder. She was a bit upset about the invasion of her privacy and had George track the guy down. She asked to see the photos and after glancing through said something to the effect of, "These look pretty damn good. I'm a first amendment gal - go ahead and publish them..."

That made me smile for sure...

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

I love that story.

And the fact that she specifically provided in her will that her funeral be delayed 15 minutes so she could be, literally, late to her own funeral.

She was one of a kind. A glamorous icon, and also a warm, earthy funny lady. And a kind, compassionate humanitarian.

Dame Elizabeth, you will never be forgotten!

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

Liz was a class act, in ways that no republican can ever hope to match.

RIP, Liz.

You were one of The Great Ones!

[restoman.livejournal.com]

She was a class act in life. She is a class act in death as well.

That money will be a great help to AIDS research.

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

A star and an inspiration to the very end. She will be missed.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Her legacy with in creating AMFAR and supporting other AIDS charities ... her personal generosity ... may outshine her stardom in the world of film ... and she was one of the brightest stars. She will truly be missed.

[delko.livejournal.com]

It is somewhat disconcerting that an entire generation and a good chunk of another generation grew up with AIDS but didn't witness the countless and seemingly non-stop deaths of far too many good, young, talented people.

We have come so far thanks to someone like Liz. When have you heard of anyone dying of KS or PCP lately? Yet those two combined to wipe out so many.

RIP, Liz, for being there, at the right time, and using your celebrity to take a stand.

[franklanguage.livejournal.com]

Agreed; she was a star in every sense of the word.

[ironranger1.livejournal.com]

She was a stunningly beautiful woman in more ways than we knew.

[altabear.livejournal.com]

Testify!