Chelsea Handler hosted amFAR's Inspiration Gala on Dec. 12 in L.A.—her second year using her comedic chops for a good cause at the AIDS research benefit.
Designer Kenneth Cole, an honorary chairman of the event, dropped by Chelsea Lately to talk about why he's so passionate about AIDS research and to praise the late-night host for being an "awkwardly inappropriate" host at the benefit.
"I hosted this event last year," Chelsea said, referring to the 2012 amFAR Inspiration Gala. "I never say yes twice to anything, but it was so much fun—for an AIDS event—and I decided, 'Yeah, I'd love to do it again!'"
Kenneth, an activist for AIDS research and prevention for 25 years, recalled how people didn't used to talk about the disease "because the stigma was so devastating....The gay community wasn't speaking up. They were afraid to."
Chelsea couldn't help but interject, saying, "Just to clarify, though, you're straight! Cause you come off as a little gay!"
"I've been accused of that," Kenneth, who is married with three children, answered laughingly.
On a more serious note, the designer said he's been fortunate to be able to bring together "the socially inspired and the wardrobe impaired" to "speak to people in a very cool and wonderful way" about AIDS research and prevention. He also released a book, This Is a Kenneth Cole Production, which gives all benefits to amFAR.