On Sunday, October 13, AIDS Walk Los Angeles will mark its 40th year raising funds to support health programs fighting HIV and AIDS throughout Los Angeles County. Taking a cue from Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, the future-facing theme of this year’s AIDS Walk is “We’re Not Walking Back!”

Organized by leading LGBTQ health care nonprofit APLA Health, the annual walk aims to support underserved communities living with or at risk for HIV and AIDS and fight for health equity. This year’s walk will take place at West Hollywood Park.

“Our 40th AIDS Walk Los Angeles is not only a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community but also a powerful statement of our collective resolve,” said APLA Health’s CEO, Craig E. Thompson, in a press release. “As we embrace this year’s theme, we reaffirm our commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS and to continuing the vital work that has impacted so many lives over the past four decades.”

Those who wish to participate can form teams or register individually to raise funds for APLA Health, which boosts awareness about the need for better LGBTQ health care and offers HIV specialty care, food, housing and more to underserved communities.

AIDS Walk LA began as a protest march nearly 40 years ago when a group of fed-up activists, patients and friends put their soles on the line to shake the government into action during the AIDS crisis. It was the first walk to fight HIV and AIDS, and it happened on the streets of Los Angeles.

A previous AIDS Walk Los Angeles; the event celebrates its 40th anniversary October 13, 2024.

A previous AIDS Walk Los Angeles; the event celebrates its 40th anniversary October 13, 2024.Used with permission, courtesy of Craig Miller, MZA Events archives.

Since that first walk in 1985, hundreds of thousands of walkers and their supporters have raised more than $93 million to combat HIV and AIDS. These funds help sustain APLA Health’s programs and services, which benefit more than 19,000 individuals living in Los Angeles County.

Teams of all sizes are welcome. Schools, companies, LGBTQ+-friendly religious institutions, friends and families have all walked in the past, some in memory of loved ones or in support of friends or family with HIV and/or AIDS.

Last year, AIDS Walk LA surpassed its goal by raising and donating $1.275 million.

Since 1985, Los Angeles has rallied together for AIDS Walk, growing from a grassroots initiative into one of the world’s...

Posted by AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Thursday, September 19, 2024

The event asks participants to raise something, no matter how little. Plus, fundraising doesn’t end on walk day! This year’s fundraising deadline is Friday, November 8.

Many participants shoot for the moon and become “star walkers”—individuals who have raised over $1,000. This year, the top 10 individuals have already raised nearly $58,000. What’s more, the top 10 teams have raised almost $95,000 total.

Click here to register as a team or individual. For more information, go to AIDSwalkLA.org, email aidswalkla@aplahealth.org or call (213) 201-9255.

Not in Los Angeles? No problem! Lace up your shoes for AIDS Walk Delaware, which takes place September 21. AIDS Walk Tucson kicks off September 27 and AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run hits the stage September 28. Click #AIDS Walk to read more.