Prince Harry makes touching speech in honour of Princess Diana’s HIV work
She’s been gone for 20 years now, but Princess Diana’s ground-breaking work raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and fighting homophobia continues to leave a lasting legacy in the LGBT community.
Yesterday, the woman who ignored the stigma and royal protocol to touch those affected by HIV/AIDS to prove casual contact would not spread the disease, was honoured with a posthumous award from LGBT magazine Attitude, and Prince Harry, who has long been dedicated to continuing her work, accepted it on her behalf.
“In April 1987, my mother was only 25 years old,” the 33-year-old said. “She was still finding her way in public life, but already she felt a responsibility to shine her spotlight on the people and issues that were often ignored.
“She knew that AIDS was one of the things that many wanted to ignore and seemed like a hopeless challenge. She knew that the misunderstanding of this relatively new disease was creating a dangerous situation when mixed with homophobia.
“People were ostracized from their communities – and sometimes from their families – simply for being ill. Staff who treated the ill, were themselves often turned away from local barbers and restaurants, even though it was proven that HIV could not be passed on from casual contact.
“And we faced the very real risk that thousands would die in the UK – including many young gay men of her generation – without making any progress towards treatment of the disease.
“So when, that April, she shook the hand of a 32-year-old man with HIV, in front of the cameras, she knew exactly what she was doing. She was using her position as Princess of Wales – the most famous woman in the world – to challenge everyone to educate themselves; to find their compassion; and to reach out to those who need help instead of pushing them away.”