On a sunny Sunday morning in West Hollywood, the streets came alive with the spirit of unity and determination as walkers and supporters gathered for the 38th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. This iconic event has been a cornerstone of the fight against the pandemic for nearly four decades. Milan Weekly attended the event this Sunday morning, October 15th, and Raimondo Rossi photographed for us the atmosphere and the energy that spread all over the boulevards.

The history of AIDS Walk LA is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. In 1985, a group of impassioned activists, patients, advocates, and friends took to the streets of Los Angeles with a simple yet powerful goal: to shake the government into action during the AIDS crisis. Their determination and resilience set the stage for what has become an enduring symbol of hope and solidarity.

Over the years, this annual event has drawn hundreds of thousands of walkers and supporters, raising more than $92 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The impact of this support extends far beyond the dollars raised; it represents a lifeline for those affected by HIV/AIDS and serves as a beacon of hope in the face of a challenging health crisis.

For the second consecutive year, AIDS Walk Los Angeles returned to the heart of West Hollywood. The city has long been a strong supporter of the event and has once again hosted the kick-off. The proceeds from AIDS Walk LA go to APLA Health, an LGBTQ+ health care organization that specializes in HIV/AIDS care. Additionally, APLA Health provides a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health care services for LGBTQ+ people. The organization's reach extends to more than 18,000 individuals in Los Angeles County, making it a cornerstone of support for the community.

The first AIDS Walk in 1985 was held at Paramount Studios just three days after actor Rock Hudson publicly disclosed his AIDS diagnosis. Hudson's revelation marked a pivotal moment in the fight against AIDS, inspiring a surge of donations and participation in the AIDS Walk. Among others, we met Richard Eastman, a Hollywood resident who has been living with AIDS for 30 years. He reminded us of his personal struggle for the use of cannabis for therapeutic use, and from the threshold of 70 years old, it is good to see people like him always ready to take to the streets to fight prejudice.

All photos by Raimondo Rossi aka Ray Morrison.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles (aidswalkla.org)

Donations

Premier sponsors of the event:

GILEAD

Starbucks

Paul Hastings

ViiV Healthcare