AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) invites you to Show Up and Show Out with us at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, September 30th at Soldier Field! This annual event has been bringing together people from all across Chicagoland to raise awareness and funds for those affected by HIV and AIDS since 1991 and has been managed by AFC since 2001. This year, we are encouraging participants to be bolder than ever before as we raise awareness and funds for AIDS Foundation Chicago and its 30+ CommunityDirect partners.  

The future in which people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions will thrive is possible, but we must be accountable in creating it. This year’s theme, Show Up, Show Out pushes us to be there for each other and live as our authentic selves. As we see an increase of negative and hateful rhetoric towards the LGBTQ+ community, we must be accountable for the impact we make, we must arrive when we are needed, and we must loudly celebrate the diversity that is us. Simply put we must Show Up, Show Out. 

As we enter Pride Month, it is a great time to reflect on the ways we have been showing up for our community throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to make new strides in our efforts to create a world where the LGBTQ+ community is celebrated and people living with and vulnerable to HIV thrive.  

The origin of Pride Month stems from Gay Rights protests and riots throughout the 1960s, with Stonewall one of many. We must remember that transgender and gender non-conforming people of color were the leaders of this movement, like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Although progress has been made, there is still work to be done.  

Participating in AIDS Run Walk Chicago is one way to make a difference, with a community-wide impact. Funds raised through this event support AFC and 30+ Chicago-based HIV organizations. These unrestricted funds directly benefit community organizations, supporting their programs and services that contribute to our overall goal of getting to zero new HIV infections in Illinois by 2030 (Getting to Zero Illinois). You can register or donate today at aidsrunwalk.org.  

You can also Show Up and Show Out this Pride Month at special events and other fundraisers View the list of events here.  

Share with us the other ways that you are getting involved during Pride Month and beyond! Tag us @aidsfoundationchicago on Instagram and @aidschicago on Facebook or email us at [email protected]!  

Will you Show Up and Show Out with us?