Sheryl Lee Ralph on the ‘Uptick’ in Women of Color Contracting HIV: ‘It Is Something That Needs to Be Paid Attention to’

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Oscar viewing party in West Hollywood Park, veteran actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered a sobering message about the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis. With over four decades of advocacy, Ralph emphasized that infection rates are still rising, particularly among women of color in the Southern United States. She called for a significant expansion in education, specifically around PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a preventive medication she argues is rarely marketed to women. This disparity is explored in her documentary anthology "Unexpected," which shares the stories of Black women living with HIV. The urgency of her call is backed by CDC statistics showing Black women comprise 54% of new HIV diagnoses among American women, highlighting a critical public health inequity. Experts note this gap often stems from a combination of systemic healthcare barriers and a historical lack of clinical research focused on women's prevention needs.

The glamorous fundraiser, co-hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish alongside Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, was a major financial success, raising $10.6 million. In a statement, John connected the evening to the foundation's 34-year mission of honoring those lost and protecting the vulnerable. The funds were secured through a lively live auction and a performance by British singer Lola Young. Auction highlights included a custom Jean Paul Gaultier corset worn by Dua Lipa and a private dinner with John and Furnish, alongside coveted invitations to the Vanity Fair Oscar party. These exclusive offerings were instrumental in reaching the multi-million dollar total, which will directly support global programs working to end the epidemic.

Celebrity backing for the cause was evident, with a guest list featuring Dua Lipa, designer Donatella Versace, and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. Drescher, arriving from the Oscars ceremony, voiced a principle shared by many: "I admire [Elton] for being so philanthropic. I very heartily believe that if you have celebrity and you have social reach, if you don’t use it, you’re wasting it." The event also showcased partners like Mistr, a telemedicine service providing no-cost PrEP. Its CEO, Tristan Schukraft, outlined a key scientific objective, stating, "If we can get everyone that’s positive virally suppressed, we can really eliminate HIV." This refers to the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) principle, a major breakthrough confirming that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually.

Speakers cautioned against viewing such progress as a signal the fight is over. Actor Jason Ritter pointed to persistent obstacles in accessing care, affirming the work remains incomplete. "It hasn’t gone away," he said. "Until everyone who has HIV is taken care of, we still have work to do." This reflects the foundation's evolved strategy, which has shifted from the emergency response of the 1990s to building sustainable, stigma-free healthcare systems globally. The evening stood as a potent reminder that while the tools to end AIDS exist, their universal and equitable application demands continuous advocacy and investment—a challenge this high-profile gathering continues to address.