Why We Stride...

Strides for Action builds on the legacy of AIDS Walk Boston—a movement that reshaped HIV/AIDS funding, treatment, and awareness. As we honor this history, we also recognize the urgency of the current moment. This 40th anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a call to action. Fenway Health was founded in 1971 as a volunteer community clinic committed to healthcare as a right, not a privilege. 

In 1981, Fenway became the site of New England’s first AIDS diagnosis, placing it at the epicenter of the early HIV/AIDS response. By 1982, Fenway helped create Boston’s AIDS Action Committee, now a key partner in statewide HIV prevention. Today, through The Fenway Institute, we remain an internationally recognized leader in HIV/AIDS care, research, and education.

The epidemic isn’t over. Last year alone, 1.3 million people contracted HIV worldwide. Even in high-income countries, adherence to daily PrEP pills can be challenging, and racial inequities persist. Black Americans—just 12% of the U.S. population—accounted for 37% of new HIV infections in 2022. In Massachusetts, Black communities are diagnosed at rates nine times higher than white individuals. Alongside Latino communities, they remain disproportionately affected.

As threats to funding for LGBTQIA+ healthcare escalate, Fenway Health continues to be a vital lifeline. Your participation helps fund critical programs and raise awareness for those most impacted—people living with HIV/AIDS, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, LGBTQIA+ youth and elders, and BIPOC communities facing systemic health inequities.

This moment calls for action. Step up to stride against injustice, protect healthcare access, and ensure everyone can live with pride and dignity.