On Sunday, May 17, thousands of inspired walkers — including children and fur babies — united in Central Park to mark GMHC’s 41st AIDS Walk New York, where more than $1.7 million was raised. In his opening remarks, Michael Hester, GMHC’s Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, reminded the crowd of GMHC’s activist roots, progress, and why it’s important to continue to show up for each other today.
“Forty-five years ago, there was no roadmap. No playbook. What was there was a community — our community — who stood up and resisted silence,” Hester told the excited audience. He also shared exciting news about the future. “In early 2027, GMHC will open a brand-new clinic for primary and dental care, in our building on West 38 Street. Under one roof — one location for medical care, dental care, and community support. This is what comprehensive care looks like: Seeing the whole person and meeting every need, not just one.”
AIDS Walk New York 2026 — themed “Walk Like an Icon” — is the world’s largest and most visible HIV and AIDS fundraising event and brings together supporters and survivors with an unwavering presence. Every year, they stand solidarity against HIV and AIDS stigma, in remembrance of those who have been lost, and to celebrate the community’s consistent care for each other. Energy remained high throughout the event with a VIP Breakfast, a Masala Bhangra dance warm-up, a Paradise Garage Dance Party at the finish line, cheerleaders, a Vogue performance by House of Miyake-Mugler, and of course, the reveal of the total amount raised so far.
New York-native Rosie Perez — an Academy Award-nominated actor, director, choreographer, and this year’s AIDS Walk New York Grand Marshal — shared how her activism was launched in the 1980s, when people diagnosed with AIDS were vilified and the federal government refused to act.
“We marched. We protested. We demanded that our government recognize the epidemic and respond with urgency, compassion, and action,” said Perez. “I started volunteering at GMHC’s AIDS Walk New York, where I learned from one of the Walk’s staff members how to talk to the press and advocate effectively. Eventually, one of my heroes and mentors, Dennis deLeon, told me it was time to move from marching to affecting policy.” (WATCH: An excerpt from Perez’s passionate speech.)
Joining Perez in support of care for all were actors Jenifer Lewis, Megan Hilty, and Peppermint; AIDS Walk New York’s emcee and CBS News’ Jessi Mitchell; NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin, and Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs Director Taylor Brown; Dr. Larry Mass, one of GMHC’s co-founders, and many more.
ViiV Healthcare, the event’s presenting sponsor, shared healthcare information with walkers and gave everyone an opportunity to document the day with a photo booth. CBS New York, AIDS Walk New York’s longtime media partner, kept the early-morning crowd busy with live interviews conducted by meteorologist John Elliott, while Jessi Mitchell kept the show on schedule as the Opening Ceremony’s emcee.
Dr. Larry Mass
Photo: Matt McDermott
L–R: Peppermint, Taylor Brown, Rosie Perez,
NYC Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus Executive Director Yanery Cruz, Michael Hester.
Photo: Matt McDermott
Peppermint
Photo: Matt McDermott
AWNY ’26, by the numbers:
The Big Picture
- 41: Years since the first AIDS Walk New York kicked off in 1986; 6.2 miles that began and concluded at Lincoln Center.
- 10,000: Approximate total of walkers who converged on Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.
$1.7 Million+: Amount fundraised, as of May 17, announced at the Closing Ceremony.
$170 Million+: Total funds raised by the Walk since it launched to support GMHC and other tri-state area partners.
On The Ground
- 4: Miles covered by participants through the scenic loop of Central Park.
- 300+: Fundraising teams who signed up, ranging from corporate groups to local legends, like Francine Goldstein and The Salty Bitches.
- 300: Dedicated volunteers and staff, respectively, who kept the route running smoothly, handed out water, and cheered on the crowd.
- $1,000: The fundraising milestone needed to join the Star Walkers Club and snag that “royal treatment” on event day.
- 3 decades: Years that the route has exclusively taken place in Central Park.
Why We Walk
- 132,000: New Yorkers currently living with HIV for whom this walk supports.
- 5%: Increase in new HIV diagnoses recorded in NYC from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for prevention and care.
- 50+: Local AIDS service organizations that receive a boost from the walk’’’s Community Partnership Program.