Thousands gathered Sunday at West Hollywood Park for the 41st annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
This year’s theme, “Community is the Cure,” was meant to reflect a sobering reality: the fight against HIV is not over, and the community must once again lead the way.
Founded in 1985 as a response to government inaction, AIDS Walk Los Angeles continues to raise critical funds for APLA Health, which provides comprehensive services to more than 22,000 Angelenos each year, with a strong focus on people with or at risk for HIV.
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These include access to free and low-cost HIV medical care, PrEP and PEP, testing, case management, benefits counseling, mental health services, and the nation’s largest food pantry for people living with HIV.
“This event was born out of urgency, and it’s just as relevant today,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “We’ve made incredible progress in the fight against HIV, but that progress is under direct threat from funding cuts and political attacks.”
While scientific advances like U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and PrEP have transformed HIV prevention and treatment, organizers say too many people still face barriers to accessing the care they need.
“We’re being pushed back-but we’re still facing forward,” said Thompson. “AIDS Walk is how we protect each other, amplify our voices, and keep moving forward, together.”
This year’s opening ceremony was hosted by ABC7’s Coleen Sullivan, and featured speakers U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, as well as a special live performance by Heidi N Closet, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who was introduced by fellow Drag Race alum Monét X Change.
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For more information, visit aidswalk.la.