On May 19, 2024 AIDS Walk New York brought together more than 9,000 residents from across the boroughs to fundraise for HIV and AIDS. The walk to destigmatize HIV and AIDS has been taking place in Central Park since 1986.
The morning of May 19th began with a performance by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus and was followed by cameos from Broadway stars such as Melody A. Betts and Drag Race contestant Q, who shared a testimony of their own HIV diagnosis.
Following the opening ceremony was the walk in Central Park which stretched a total of four miles. Throughout the day multiple organizations set up free resources for the public to access including HIV testing and food stands. Notable guests who showed up to participate were New York City Council members Gale Brewer and Erik Bottcher.
The Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), is a nonprofit organization which coordinates the annual New York AIDS Walk. It was founded in the 1980s to address the ongoing epidemic and raise money for research to find a cure. Today GMHC serves a large number of people who are disproportionately affected by both HIV and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Over 70% live below the Federal Poverty Line; 36% are Black; and 32% are Latino. Nearly half of clients are over the age of fifty, and 53% are LGBTQ+”, GMHC states.
According to the latest report from AIDSVu, there are roughly 100,000 people living with HIV in New York City as of 2021. “AIDS is still here, it’s not going anywhere, HIV, people are still getting infected,” AIDS walk participant Jade Peters told Spectrum News NY1. “I know people that are living 35 years with this disease, that are walking and talking, and you would never know.”
Advances in treatment over the last forty years have made HIV a fully survivable condition, and when treated appropriately, HIV is suppressed to the point of being undetectable and untransmittable, the key message of the U=U campaign. Preventive medications like PrEP and PEP are 99% effective in preventing acquiring HIV through sex. Continuing to make these facts known and expanding access to lifesaving resources makes the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030 within reach.
GMHC organizers stressed how crucial the walk is this year because New York City budget cuts are threatening $1.1 million dollars in funding for three key GMHC programs. The proposed cuts would eliminate Undetectable’s, HIV Prevention and Literacy: Older Adults, and RISE Workforce Development programs. Cutting these programs would harm patients and negatively impact the city’s ability to minimize the HIV epidemic. Due to the ongoing support and participation from attendees at the walk approximately $1,872,909 dollars were raised to support GMHC’s mission.
“So many people are afraid of talking about HIV, and even saying the word HIV,” Aliia Reyes, a volunteer at AIDS Walk New York, told Spectrum News NY1. “But I don’t think we should be afraid of it. I think the more we talk about it, the more people can understand what this disease is, and actually protect themselves from getting it.”
AIDS Walk New York is a reminder that thousands of people are living with HIV and AIDS. By talking about HIV and AIDS it can build support for the community, combat misinformation, and eliminate the stigma that fuels the epidemic. Additionally, events like this one help fund organizations so that they can continue to conduct vital research and provide life saving resources for individuals with HIV and AIDS.
Watch the AIDS Walk New York 2024 opening ceremony:
To donate to the GMHC organization click here.