This month, I’m excited to share that I will be leading a Cultivate Leadership Training here in Palm Springs, after being trained by AIDS United as part of their national leadership initiative. This opportunity builds on the leadership development work I’ve experienced over the past year with The Reunion Project and Equality California, each reinforcing the importance of lived experience as a foundation for leadership. These experiences have inspired me to create more opportunities for people living with HIV to step into leadership roles across community boards, advisory councils, and advocacy spaces.
The upcoming training, taking place on Monday, April 27 at the Mizell Center, is designed for people with lived experience in the HIV community who want to strengthen their voice and deepen their impact. We’ll focus on topics like leadership rooted in lived experience, navigating community spaces, and turning personal strength into community action. Participation is limited, so if you’re interested in attending, please email info@AgingandHIV.org to save your spot.
As you look ahead on your calendar, please save the date of Wednesday, June 24, for our annual National HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day Dinner, which will be held at the Mizell Center. This is always one of our most meaningful gatherings of the year, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.
Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you, both as guests and volunteers, at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) benefit on April 4, which will honor LKAPS. We are deeply grateful for REAF’s continued support, and this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community together.
Thank you for being part of LKAPS and for continuing to show up for one another.
Warmly, Jax
Jax Kelly, President Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) JaxKelly@LKAPS.org
Social Events
Social Committee Meeting via Zoom. Wednesday April 8th @ 5:00 PM Join Here!
The Roundtable
The Roundtable is our weekly drop-in discussion group, where we make connections and build community through conversation. Peer coordinators facilitate discussions of topics both serious and fun that include and allow everyone to participate.
Got a topic that’s been on your mind? Send your idea to the roundtable team and join the conversation!
The In-Person Roundtable has been moved to THURSDAYS at 5:00 PM – SAME LOCATION
April 2026 Topics:
April 7 and 9 – What can we do to support each other during these times of great uncertainty and upheaval?
April 14 and 16 – What are the best and worst parts of where you live?
April 21 and 23 – How has living long-term with HIV helped you to live your best life?
April 28 and 30 – What are some life decisions you have made that have been worthwhile and beneficial to your life?
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
LKAPS FREE Dine Around
Tuesday, April 14th –5:30 PM
We’ll be dining at La Tablita Mexican Cuisine in Cathedral City. Come spend the evening with your fellow LKAPSers. There is set menu of items and an RSVP limit. See the Evite for details.
La Tablita Restaurant 68369 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
People in the Community
Our community is built on the strength of our shared history. “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is our dedicated space for members to share their personal HIV journeys—the challenges, the triumphs, and the resilience that defines us as long-term survivors.
Read & Submit: You can read the latest stories from your fellow members and submit your own story online all in one place. You don’t have to be a professional writer to participate; your voice and your journey are what matter most. Sharing your story helps ensure that no one in our community feels they are walking this path alone. Share your story here!
Music of the ’60s with David “Cat” Cohen
Community member David Cat Cohen is hosting a free weekly online 60s Music Discussion Group dedicated to exploring how iconic recordings from artists like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and The Doors dramatically changed pop music. Join the Meeting
This Week’s Spotlight: The revolutionary hits of Jimi Hendrix.
When: Wednesday, April 1
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Join via Zoom: Meeting ID: 898 2688 1366 (Passcode: 231877)
While the workshop is free, David gratefully accepts donations via Zelle to help cover cyber and preparation costs. For questions, reach out to cat@catcohen.com.
LKAPS Bowling
Thursday, April 16th – 2:30 PM
April Bowling is two hours of bowling including shoes for $15.00. Come join the fun!
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
HIV Wellness Initiative
Monthly TM Courses
TM courses are offered about once/month in Palm Springs, for those living with HIV (and their caregivers) the course fees are fully covered by grants and scholarships. There’s no charge to participate.
Mizell Center 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
The Positive Life Series
Tuesday, April 7th – 6:00 PM
HEALTHYSEXUAL
Healthysexual is an educational program designed for people aging with HIV who want clear, practical information about sexual health and overall well-being.
Mizell Center 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Pals Seminar
Saturday April 18, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
“Emergency Planning and Technology for Seniors”, we’ll discuss how smart sensors, wearables, digital health IDs and apps are providing a silent layer of protection that doesn’t just respond to emergencies—it helps prevent them.
Circle is an informal weekly zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together at grandmother’s house every week. Enjoy! It’s powerful.
A Death Café is a group-led open conversation about death and dying. It is not counseling or a bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes.
April 10: National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Goal: Educating the public about the impact of HIV on young people.
April 18: National Transgender HIV Testing Day Goal: Recognizing the importance of routine testing and status awareness for transgender and non-binary communities.
April 22: Earth Day Goal: Celebrating our desert environment and promoting sustainability.
April 23: Dining Out For Life Dine Out at participating restaurants and DAP Health receives a percentage of the proceeds.
Donate your HIV Meds
Donate your not needed HIV Meds at the Positive Life Series monthly. Bring your not needed HIV meds to the Positive Life Series (The first Tuesday of the Month) and give to Jeff Taylor. They are donated to an HIV Clinic in Mexico.
You don’t have to receive ALL emails from lkaps.org. You can choose which ones you would like by updating your email preferences. You can also update your phone number and your birthdate along with wether you would like to be included in the directory. There is always a link at the bottom of every email.
Submit to the Newsletter
Anyone is welcome to submit ideas, stories, photos and videos related to social connection, education, and advocacy for people aging with HIV to our monthly newsletter. Please send to news@lkaps.org by the 25th for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter.
Support LKAPS
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs sponsors inclusive social activities for people deeply affected by HIV. We are all races, genders, HIV+ and HIV-. Some of our members are outgoing, others are introverted or have been isolated. There are no requirements about participation, we encourage you to come out and meet us.
