On Sunday, October 12, West Hollywood Park will once again become the heart of a movement as thousands of residents, advocates, and allies gather for the 41st Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles—a critical event at a crucial time.
Organized by APLA Health in partnership with the City of West Hollywood, this year’s walk carries the powerful theme “Community is the Cure”—a reflection of the enduring spirit that has defined the fight against HIV/AIDS for over four decades.
But 2025’s walk is more than symbolic. With recent and significant cuts to federal HIV/AIDS funding, especially under policies pushed forward by the Trump administration, organizers warn that essential services for vulnerable communities are on the brink.
“This year’s walk is the most important in years,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “We’re not just walking—we’re making a statement. Funding has been slashed for prevention, food assistance, housing, and treatment programs. The community’s response will determine whether we can continue to support the 1.2 million Americans currently living with HIV.”
In 2024, AIDS Walk Los Angeles raised over $1.16 million, directly supporting APLA Health programs such as HIV medical care, sexual health services, food pantries, housing assistance, and social support. Yet Thompson said the organization faced nearly $900,000 in federal cuts to its Necessities of Life Food Pantry Program, forcing reductions in both services and locations.
“These aren’t just numbers,” Thompson said. “They’re people. People who are waiting longer for PrEP access, people who’ve lost meal support, people who are navigating HIV without the community programs that once lifted them up.”
West Hollywood: A City with Deep Roots in the Fight
West Hollywood has long been a national leader in HIV/AIDS advocacy. Vice Mayor John Heilman, one of the city’s original founders during the height of the AIDS crisis, called out the current administration’s attacks on LGBTQ+ and health-focused programs.
“The Trump administration and its allies have gutted funding for treatment, prevention, and even vaccine research,” Heilman told the Beverly-Press. “West Hollywood will never back down. We will always fight for people living with HIV and AIDS.”
A Call to Action
With public health under attack and the needs of the HIV-positive community greater than ever, AIDS Walk Los Angeles isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a rallying cry.
“This administration needs to know that we will not be silent,” Thompson said. “We are not going to let 40 years of progress be dismantled.”
West Hollywood residents and allies are encouraged to join the effort, lace up their shoes, and walk with purpose.
AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2025 kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, at West Hollywood Park (647 N. San Vicente Blvd). Participants can register, donate, or form teams here
