Sir Elton John has declared a new war on AIDS and the "fascists, idiots and assholes" who continue to stigmatise the disease.
The British singer finished off World AIDS Day 2011 with a bang - watching fireworks over a red Sydney Opera House and providing some spitfire of his own.
"We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck," Sir Elton told those gathered at Circular Quay to mark the end of World AIDS Day.
"But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again."
Sir Elton said the world needed to "fight a new war, to get the funding necessary to actually kill the disease once and for all".
But this would not happen unless the issue of stigmatism was dealt with, he added.
"If we can de-stigmatise this disease once and for all, we are really going to beat this disease," the gay singer said.
"This is not a faggots' f***ing disease anymore. This is a worldwide disease that affects everybody.
"Let's get rid of this disgusting stigma and get these people who are such fascists, such idiots, and such assholes to understand that people have a right to live with dignity."
Sir Elton, who was joined by federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner, cut a red ribbon overlooking the Sydney Opera House and watched as the sails of the building were lit red and fireworks sparkled overhead.
"We can't let go now, it's imperative we seize this opportunity where the end is maybe in sight, to keep going," he said.
"We need the backing and confirmation of global governments to say once and for all ... let's get rid of this disease when we have the chance to.
"And we do have the chance."
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