In partnership with Kansas City PBS, producer Sandy Woodson presents AIDS in KC: Facing the Challenge, the second of a four-part series on the history and current state of HIV/AIDS in Kansas City (Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 7 p.m. on Channel 19.1.) 

AIDS Walk Posters at Gael's

Framed posters from the collection of Michael Lintecum, AIDS Walk organizer since 1995 are on view at Gael's in an exhibition organized by producer Sandy Woodson and made possible through support from Kansas City PBS and the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America.

History of AIDS Walk
Below is an excerpt of the history of AIDS Walk, written by Steve Metzler, who helped found the AIDS Service Foundation.
“Begun in 1988, AIDS WALK continues to be one of the primary and most public efforts to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and to raise funds for direct services. 1988's Walk started at Frank A Theis Park near the Country Club Plaza and included under 100 walkers... Participation in the Walk climbed as did the number of persons in Kansas City coping with AIDS - patients, caregivers and survivors.
 

AIDS WALK was originally titled "Walk for Life," partly in deference to changing realities of AIDS care. When the first Kansas City efforts were stirring in the early 1980's, through the Good Samaritan Project, near 100% mortality was common owing to late diagnosis. As more and earlier diagnoses were received there was a marked shift from a "death
watch" approach, and "AIDS victims" were rechristened "PWA's": Persons with AlDS, or described as Living with AlDS.

"Walk for Life" was an affirmative rallying cry to the families and friends who urgently sought action in the face of a frightening new disease and its ravages in the community...

As the Walk grew in scale and impact, it began to be described as the AlDS Walk, and was renamed officially in 1995.

Metzler, C. Stephen. “AIDS Service Foundation Archive”, Community Curator, Kansas City Museum, 2012.