In a time when headlines about HIV are often scarce or discouraging, there is some news worth acknowledging. As part of the broader agreement to keep the federal government open, Congress has rejected more than $1.7 billion in proposed cuts to domestic HIV programs. This means that critical efforts like the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program will continue to be funded — a reminder that advocacy still works.
We are also pausing this month to remember and honor Butch McKay, who passed away this week. Butch was a giant in the HIV community and a guiding light for many of us. I had the honor of serving alongside him on The Reunion Project Steering Committee, and several LKAPS members met him over the years at the Positive Living Conference in Florida, the conference he founded and sustained for nearly 30 years. His leadership, kindness, and deep commitment to people living with HIV will not be forgotten.
Closer to home, I’m looking forward to attending the Cultivate Training of Trainers program later this month in Phoenix, a national leadership initiative supported by AIDS United. As part of this program, I’ll be organizing a public event here in Palm Springs later this year to uplift the voices of long-term survivors and highlight our ongoing needs. I’ll be reaching out to some of you to help shape what that might look like. And as always, I welcome your ideas at info@LKAPS.org.
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we carry forward the work of Butch and so many others who showed us what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
Warmly, Jax
Jax Kelly, President Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) JaxKelly@LKAPS.org
Social Events
Jax Kelly, President of LKAPS – Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs manages the booth at the INFO-A-GO-GO Saturday at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs.above: Bowling January 15th at Palm Springs Lanes. The next Bowling event is February 19th when we’ll have our FREE bowling event. This event includes pizza, soda, bowling for two hours and includes shoes. Sure to be a good time so come join us. We’ll send an Evite with the details.
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
February 2026 Topics:
February 3 and 5 – What are simple things we can do to alleviate loneliness, depression, or isolation?
February 10 and 12 – As we get older, how is it starting and/or maintaining relationships? Easier or harder?
February 17 and 19 – “Picture it…” Show us a favorite photo of yourself (past or present) and tell us about it.
February 24 and 26 – How do you choose to disclose your HIV status and does it affect your relationships?
The Center CV 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr #301, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Pals Circle
Every Monday 6 – 7 PM
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.
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.
