David Furnish on fatherhood, AIDS research, and life with Elton John: ‘We’re incredibly fortunate’

The world is lucky to have a couple like Elton John and David Furnish.

Since 1993, the iconic couple has tackled so many incredible highs and lows throughout their beautiful relationship. In nearly four decades, John and Furnish have tied the knot, welcomed two beautiful children via surrogacy, and launched the impactful Elton John AIDS Foundation.

As of late 2025, EJAF has raised over a billion dollars to find a cure for HIV/AIDS and advance trials in critical medication to help prevent the spread of the disease.

This weekend, the foundation will throw their annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood, California, to raise crucial funds as to end new HIV transmissions. Ahead of the festivities, Furnish is teasing everything the iconic party will entail and why he and John are just as committed to their mission since the foundation's launch in 1992.

Congratulations on another year for the EJAF Academy Awards Viewing Party! How crucial is it for everyone to support this special cause?

Thank you! Today, over 40 million people are living with HIV globally. While we’ve made extraordinary progress, that progress is fragile. The reality is that funding cuts from major government donors are creating dangerous gaps in prevention and treatment programs, putting lives at immediate risk.

For more than three decades, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has been a cornerstone of our fundraising, not just a celebration. The funds raised that night go directly toward keeping people on HIV treatment, expanding access to prevention tools like PrEP, and protecting LGBTQ+ communities who are often the first to be targeted and the last to receive care.

This year, support isn’t symbolic; it’s urgent. We have the tools to end new HIV infections, but without sustained commitment, we risk reversing decades of hard-won gains. Showing up, speaking out, and investing in this cause truly saves lives.

Incredible singers have performed at this event over the years, and Lola Young will hit the stage this year. What should attendees expect from her set?

Yes, we’ve been so fortunate to have extraordinary artists perform over the years, and one thing that’s always meant a great deal to Elton is championing young talent. He has such a passion for supporting the next generation of artists, and Lola Young is just spectacular. Did you catch her Grammy performance? It was electric. She won the Grammy and just won again at the BRITs; her success has brought Elton and I such joy. Guests can expect something emotional, fearless, and completely authentic. It’s exactly the kind of performance that reminds everyone why it’s so important to come together each year.

The political landscape is very scary right now as HIV/AIDS funding and LGBTQ+ equality are constantly being threatened or attacked. What message do you have for anyone living in fear of current historical events?

Fear is understandable. We’re seeing significant funding cuts from major donors, and progress against HIV that took decades of activism and sacrifice could be reversed far too quickly. As always, the greatest risk falls on marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ people in countries where they’re already criminalized.

That’s why when the cuts hit, we acted quickly. Last year the foundation launched the Rocket Response Fund immediately to protect at-risk programs and stand by our partners. A year later, we’re not just sustaining that work; we’re scaling it. We increased our Rocket Fund goal from $125 million to $200 million because retreat is not an option.

My message to anyone living in fear is this: you are not alone, and this fight is not over. Philanthropy can’t replace government funding dollar for dollar, but we can be bold, strategic, and fast. We can push forward innovations like injectable PrEP and make sure they reach the people who need them most. And in doing so, we can bend the curve of new infections. We will continue to use our voice to say that equality is the backbone of public health, stability, and human dignity – it is not optional.

You and Elton are raising two beautiful children who are growing up right before our eyes. How has this chapter of fatherhood strengthened your marriage and helped you evolve as queer people?

As LGBTQ+ parents, we’re very conscious of the example we’re setting. We want Zachary and Elijah to grow up proud of who they are and compassionate toward others. That sense of responsibility has strengthened our marriage and sharpened our purpose. The work we do to build a safer, more equitable world, it’s personal. It’s about the future our children, and all children, will inherit.

What are you manifesting? You two have achieved so much over the years, but what future progress do you still want to make?

What I’m manifesting is an AIDS-free future. We have the tools to end new HIV infections. What we need is the political will, sustained funding, and collective courage to see it through. I also hope to see a world where LGBTQ+ people can live openly and safely everywhere. A world where equality isn’t debated, it’s understood as fundamental. Elton and I have been incredibly fortunate in life, but our greatest achievement would be helping to build a world where the next generation doesn’t have to fight the same battles we did to be accepted. That’s what keeps us going.