On May 19, 2024, the 39th annual AIDS Walk New York brought together 10,000 people in Central Park to raise money for primary beneficiary GMHC (formerly Gay Men’s Health Crisis) as well as other HIV and AIDS service organizations in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tristate area. Presented by sponsor ViiV Healthcare and featuring premier sponsor Gilead Sciences, the event featured a four-mile run as well as a walk, performances and rousing speeches. The walk’s theme this year was “Stride Against Stigma.”

 

The 2024 AIDS Walk took place as the city is poised to cut $5.3 million in spending on HIV education and outreach programs to comply with Mayor Eric Adams’s directive to slash the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s budget by $75 million overall in fiscal year 2025. In addition to affecting GMHC, this decision would impact other stalwart HIV service providers, including Housing Works and Planned Parenthood. Despite the looming news—or perhaps in bold defiance of it—diverse groups and individuals of all ages (young people seemed especially well represented this year) donned their walking shoes and brightest smiles to fight HIV stigma and raise money during what is arguably one of the most visible and enduring AIDS fundraisers in the world. 

The 39th annual AIDS Walk New York took place Sunday, May 19, 2024.

At Central Park’s bandshell, GMHC team members proudly announce the total amount raised by this year’s walk.Courtesy of GMHC

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