In the midst of the current coronavirus pandemic, cities across the US are joining together this year for a virtual AIDS Walk: Live at Home, to raise funds for the ongoing battle against the AIDS epidemic and the vital services needed by people most vulnerable to HIV and COVID-19. The televised and streaming event, which will take place on Sunday, May 16, is led by GMHC of New York and Vivent Health of Milwaukee, in collaboration with AIDS Walk organizations in Austin, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle, for a remote star-studded turnout that will encompass all parts of the country and surpass the size of last year’s virtual rally.
Craig R. Miller, founder of the original AIDS Walks in the US, noted, “As we mark the fortieth year of AIDS in America, we are inspired by the coming together of AIDS Walks from all across the United States. The local community partners and I are so very excited to continue to work alongside these outstanding participating organizations. Together, we will continue to fight as one for an end to the AIDS epidemic.”
Claire Neal, CEO of Seattle’s Lifelong AIDS Allliance, noted, “In Washington State and around the country, we continue to see Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by new HIV cases. We are excited to work hand-in-hand with like-minded organizations throughout the nation.”
The nationwide fundraiser will feature performances and appearances by a roster of luminaries from the stage and screen, who have a long-time commitment and association with HIV/AIDS charities. Among those scheduled are Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter; Golden Globe Award-winning actress, singer, and dancer Ann-Margret; SAG and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Danielle Brooks; Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress Heather Headley; Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT) Award-winning legend Rita Moreno; actor, singer, writer, producer, director, and activist Tony Goldwyn; singer and actress Liz Callaway; actor and singer Alex Newell; Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated choreographer and community activist Rosie Perez; actor, designer, and host Carson Kressley; actor, author, and activist George Takei; and stars from the Emmy Award-winning series RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Thirty years after Sir Elton John helped kick off the first AIDS Walk in Atlanta, he and his husband David Furnish will be presented with the first-ever AIDS Walk Lifetime Achievement Award. Live segments of the stream will include viewing parties from New York’s Central Park Boathouse and the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
AIDS Walk: Live at Home streams live on Sunday, May 16, at 1 pm EST, on CBSN and the organization’s website. There is no fee to view or to register for the event; if you would like to donate to this vital cause, click here.
