Actress and activist Michaela Jaé Rodriguez received APLA Health’s first Voice of Visibility Award at AIDS Walk Los Angeles on 18 October, as supporters gathered in West Hollywood to raise funds for HIV services.

ABC7, a sponsor of the event, reported that thousands attended at West Hollywood Park. Actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster helped present the honour to Rodriguez. Singer David Archuleta also joined the event.

APLA announced the award on 8 October, recognising Rodriguez’s work to raise HIV/AIDS awareness, challenge stigma and advocate for the transgender community. She is known for her roles in Pose and Loot.

The walk supports APLA’s HIV care and prevention services, alongside food, housing and other support across Los Angeles County. The organiser says fundraising remains open until 13 November.

In the announcement of her award, Rodriguez stressed that access to testing, treatment and continuing care must endure through changes in the political climate. She said people deserved to “live fully, love freely, dream boldly, and grow old”.