Like most, the recent Harvey Weinstein sexual assault/misconduct allegations have been both disgusting and unavoidable. But another Weinstein controversy has also reared it’s ugly head as of late, and it involves the HIV/AIDS fundraising giant, amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research).

You can read about it here.

The actions taken by Kenneth Cole, who is amfAR’s Board Chair and long-time mouthpiece, necessitated this open letter to amfAR from the HIV community, which emphatically calls for the resignation of Cole from his duties and ties to amfAR.

Read the letter here. 

When I was asked to participate, I didn’t hesitate to sign on. amfAR’s accomplishments and visibility have made it one of the most influential HIV/AIDS organizations for the last three decades, and I would hate to see that diminished moving forward because of the dubious actions of one man. The partnership between Cole and amfAR has been historic and far-reaching. But if the organization is going to move forward without being viewed with a raised eyebrow, then they should take immediate and decisive action to protect a reputation that has been hard-earned and well-deserved.

It’s high time to #ShoeHimOut, and with the holidays around the corner, I think it would be a mistake to plop a big piece of #KennethCOAL in the HIV’s community’s Christmas stockings. 

Positively Yours,

Shawn