After a year away, AIDS Walk Los Angeles is returning to West Hollywood on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Organized by APLA Health, the city’s leading nonprofit for HIV care, prevention, and sexual health services, this year’s theme, “Community Is the Cure,” highlights the power of unity in advancing progress against HIV/AIDS. Registration for participants is open now at AIDSWALK.LA.
The day kicks off at West Hollywood Park with live entertainment, including a performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race star Heidi N Closet, DJ sets, and community booths. After the morning festivities, walkers will take to the streets of West Hollywood, joining thousands of Angelenos in a show of solidarity and support for those affected by HIV.
“This event was born out of urgency, and it’s just as relevant today,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “We’ve made incredible progress in the fight against HIV, but that progress is under direct threat from funding cuts and political attacks. Now is the time to show that we won’t be silenced or set back.”
From Grassroots to Global Impact
AIDS Walk Los Angeles began forty years ago as a grassroots effort to raise awareness during the early HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraising events, uniting advocates, community members, and allies. Over the years, the walk has raised nearly $100 million, funding essential services like HIV specialty care, sexual health programs, housing assistance, and nutrition support.
Today, APLA Health serves more than 22,000 clients annually across eight locations in Los Angeles County. Last year alone, AIDS Walk Los Angeles raised $1.16 million to support these vital programs.
Progress and Challenges in HIV Care
While advances such as PrEP, PEP, and long-acting injectable prevention have transformed HIV into a manageable condition, challenges remain. Modern treatments can reduce viral loads to undetectable levels, effectively eliminating the risk of transmission. Yet, many communities still face barriers to accessing care.
“APLA Health’s mission is to ensure that progress reaches everyone, not just a few,” Thompson said. “We provide inclusive, high-quality healthcare in medically underserved communities, and events like AIDS Walk Los Angeles are crucial to continuing that work.”
AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2025 promises a day of celebration, education, and community action. For more information and to register, visit https://AIDSWALK.LA.
