Featured image courtesy of our founders at Let’s Kick ASS and HLTSAD. Explore more of their work and stories on Medium.
LKAPS October Newsletter
President’s Message
October offers a chance to carry the energy of a busy September back into our community here in Palm Springs.
At the recent U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS in Anaheim, I was honored during the Merck plenary alongside Jeff Berry of The Reunion Project and other advocates. I was grateful for the recognition, and especially for the opportunity to see the work of HIV long-term survivors and those who stand with us recognized on a national stage.
Closer to home, I want to thank the volunteers who make LKAPS gatherings possible and the generous hosts who open their homes for our potlucks. You help create the welcome and connection that keep this community humming. I hope you know how much your time and care mean to all of us.
I also hope you can join us on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Palm Springs Art Museum for The Real World: Queer Visibility and Cultural Change. The conversation will reflect on queer representation and Pedro Zamora’s legacy as an HIV educator and advocate. I have a limited number of free tickets for LKAPS members and friends. They will be offered on a first come, first served basis. To request one, please email me at JaxKelly@LKAPS.org with your name and contact information.
Pride is just around the corner, and I hope you’ll join the LKAPS team for the Palm Springs Pride 5K Run and Walk on November 7. You can run, walk, volunteer, or cheer us on. LKAPS is once again a beneficiary of the event. Register with our team, “Let’s Kick Ass PS”
Finally, please watch for your mail ballot in October and make a plan to vote in the November 3 election. I also want to share that my name will be on the ballot for the Desert Healthcare District Board, Zone 1. Whatever your choices in this election, I hope you’ll take the time to make your voice heard.
Thank you 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
Listening Session on HIV AND AGING October 27th, 2026 – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs Register Here!
The first 40 people get a spot and $50.00 in cash.
Social Events
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!
FALL ISHERE! So, the ONLINE Roundtable will meet MONTHLY on the LAST Tuesday ONLY.
October 2026 Topics:
October 1 – Why do you think our country has elected Donald Trump two out of the last three presidential elections?
October 8 – What are the most impactful breakthroughs that have occurred in your lifetime?
October 15 – What’s your secret for getting a good night’s sleep?
October 22 – We survived HIV. What does it mean to truly thrive as we get older?
October 29 – Tell us all about a bar, a beach, a bathhouse, a club, or a glory hole that you remember fondly?
**BONUS TOPIC** TUESDAY October 27 ONLINE – What are your thoughts, feelings, and plans as we enter this year’s Holiday season?
Mizell Center 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Get Directions
If you would like assistance with Zoom or a ride to the Thursday meeting, please email the roundtable team
Knowing Me, Knowing You
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!
LKAPS Coffee
Sunday, October 4th – 10:00 AM
Ristretto, an easygoing cafe for coffee, tea & pastries plus sandwiches & salads in a casual storefront. There is plenty of parking in their lot.
The poems chart the emotional territory of LGBTQIA+ individuals— desire and delight, the quiet endurance of long partnership, spiritual belonging, humor, and gratitude — without dwelling on grief or loss.
Church of St Paul In the Desert 125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs
World AIDS Day week
Wednesday, December 2nd
9am to 3pm – Faith, Spirituality, and Aging with HIV Retreat Day (lunch provided)
Church of St Paul In the Desert 125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Community Events
January 2027 HIV Positive Cruise and Retreat For just about $600 (plus airfare to Florida) you can luxuriate in seven days on a beautiful new Princess cruise ship in the Caribbean. In addition to the meals, shows, shore excursions and non-stop entertainment, there will be an onboard social retreat to connect with 150 HIV positive men and women from around the country. Get wild and silly or sit by the pool reading a book. Roommate matching for those traveling single This link has all the details https://cruisedesignstravel.com/hiv-cruise-retreat-21/#. If you have any questions or plan to go, please contact Lorenzo Taylor at taylorenzo@aol.com. Several LKAPS members have traveled with this annual cruise designed for HIV positive people.
Positive Life Series
Tuesday, October 6th – 6 PM
Join us for an in-person event focused on the screening and treatment of anal cancer presented by Dr. Christopher Schiessl of Positive Primary Care.
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.
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.
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.
National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) — October 15 NLAAD focuses on addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic and Latino communities. It emphasizes HIV testing, prevention options (such as PrEP), access to care, and combating stigma. Coordinated by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation, it is recognized nationally by organizations including the CDC and HIV.gov.
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 whether 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.
