Actress and activist Michaela Jaé Rodriguez will receive the inaugural Voice of Visibility Award at the 42nd annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles on Oct. 18 in recognition of her efforts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and advocate for the transgender community, organizers announced Thursday.
Rodriguez, known for her roles in the television series “Pose” and “Loot,” will receive the award during the event’s opening ceremony at West Hollywood Park, with actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster presenting the honor, according to the organization.
Singer David Archuleta will also perform during the ceremony, which begins at 10:30 a.m., before participants embark on a two-mile walk through West Hollywood’s Rainbow District.
The annual fundraiser, organized by APLA Health, supports HIV prevention, treatment and other health care services throughout Los Angeles County.
“There is still a cruel distance between what medicine can do and who actually gets to benefit from it,” Rodriguez said. “We know access to testing, treatment, and consistent care saves lives, yet our most marginalized communities, especially Black and Brown trans women, continue to bear a disproportionate burden.”
Rodriguez also emphasized the importance of continued support for marginalized communities regardless of changes in the political climate.
APLA Health officials said Rodriguez was selected for the award because of her efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma surrounding the disease and advocate for transgender people.
“Michaela Jae is a powerful voice for the community,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. “Voices like hers keep HIV and equity in the public conversation at a time when it would be easy to look away.”
Rodriguez made history in 2022 when she became the first openly transgender actress to win a Golden Globe, receiving the award for best actress in a television drama for her role in “Pose.”
She also became the first transgender woman nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in a leading acting category for the same series.
This year’s AIDS Walk theme, “Defend Care, Demand Action,” focuses on the importance of access to HIV testing, prevention, treatment and ongoing medical care.
The event will include remarks by activists, entertainment and booths representing community organizations before participants begin the walk.
APLA Health, formerly known as AIDS Project Los Angeles, provides medical care and support services to more than 23,000 people annually, including HIV treatment, primary care, dental and behavioral health services, and food and housing assistance.
The 42nd annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles will take place at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
Registration and additional information are available at aidswalkla.org.