A memorial service will be held this coming Sunday at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers for Matt Redman, co-founder of AIDS Project Los Angeles and a former board member.
Redman died on Dec. 27 at the age of 67 of cardiopulmonary arrest. Redman, who was HIV positive, and three friends launched APLA in 1982 when AIDS was beginning to take its toll on the gay community and no one knew much about it. APLA has since rebranded itself as AIDS Health and operates health centers.
Redman and his fellow APLA members created an early awareness campaign about HIV/AIDS and dealt with the discrimination from those who saw it only as a gay sexual disease. One of APLA’s most successful ventures was the launch of the annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles in 1985, which to date has raised almost $80 million for APLA and other HIV/AIDS organizations.
Sunday’s memorial service is organized by Redman’s friends and family members. It will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. The program will be informal and speakers as of publication will include Redman’s brother, Brian; West Hollywood City Councilmember John Duran, and APLA Health CEO Craig Thompson.
Parking is available in the five-story structure behind the Council Chambers building.
