Plus, January-February 2024

BECAUSE YOU'RE MORE THAN YOUR STATUS

TROY MICHAEL SMITH MR. GAY WORLD

IS HELPING QUEER MEN OF COLOR TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

BARING IT ALL FOR BLACK LGBTQ+ BEAUTY WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE OF COLOR ON PREP? 35 YEARS OF WORLD AIDS DAY

january/february 2024

hivplusmag.com

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(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

 Those in the “Most Important Information About

healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system.  New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis),

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contents

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issue 15 8

A ROYAL ALLY

The newly crowned Mr. Gay World, Troy Michael Smith, is advocating for gay and bi men of color, mental health, body positivity, and more.

FEATURES 12 PASSING ON HISTORY This artist is traveling back to the height of the AIDS epidemic to relay it to the next generation.

24 SCIENCE VS. STIGMA Where are we in 2023 when it comes to HIV laws?

30 BLACK, QUEER, AND JOYFUL A revealing photoshoot celebrates Black men living with HIV in all their glory.

ON THE COVER AND THIS PAGE Troy Michael Smith

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COURTESY SMITH

42 ARE THEY PREPARED? Meet the Black college students helping their peers access PrEP.

contents

BUZZWORTHY 6 THE ART OF AIDS Actor and art curator Russell Tovey highlights the art and activism of the AIDS era.

8 NOT UNITED A United Nations leader sounds the alarm on intolerance.

9 THANK YOU, BERLIN PATIENT The first person cured of HIV is honored in Palm Springs.

10 WAD REWIND A historical look back on World AIDS Day after 35 years.

TREATMENT 44 WEIGHTY ISSUE Are weight loss drugs the answer for many people living with HIV? WELLNESS 45 JUST FOR US A new digital app just for people living with HIV is taking off.

PARTING SHOT 46 OUT & ABOUT Some of our favorite HIV advocates and allies showed up at the Out100 party in L.A.

ER IC H A RT J R (3 0); T H E B ISHO PSG AT E L I B R A RY (6); COU RT ESY J U L I EN TO M A SEL LO (12)

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chief executive officer MARK BERRYHILL cofounder, equalpride MICHAEL KELLEY chief financial officer JOE LOVEJOY chief operating officer BERNARD ROOK chief marketing officer MICHEL J. PELLETIER executive director of digital content KAYLA GAGNET editorial director NEAL BROVERMAN editor in chief DESIRÉE GUERRERO executive creative director RAINE BASCOS

executive vice president, brand partnerships & corporate sales STUART BROCKINGTON chief of staff CHRISTOPHER GO vp & publisher, the advocate, out, & plus MARK ISOM vp, corporate sales JOE VALENTINO

EDITORIAL senior editor JOHN CASEY senior copy editor TRUDY RING contributing editors MARK S. KING, CHRISTOPHER WIGGINS

ADVERTISING, BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & INTEGRATED SALES vp, brand partnerships TIM SNOW senior director, brand partnerships ANDRAÉ BONITZER VIGIL-ROMERO creative director, brand partnerships MICHAEL LOMBARDO director, corporate sales KAYLYN BLACKMORE managers, brand partnerships ANNA CARIAS, NIC AUSTIN, ALEX HOFFMAN account manager, corporate sales CARINA BUIE manager, brand partnerships ERIN MANLEY coordinator, brand partnerships JOSE CARDENAS coordinator, sales & advertising administration LULU DROPO local sales manager MARCUS HOEY

ART graphic designer MARIUSZ WALUS digital photo editor NICOLE AYE EQUALPRIDE EDITORIAL editor in chief, the advocate DESIRÉE GUERRERO digital director, the advocate ALEX COOPER senior editor, the advocate JOHN CASEY sr. national reporter, the advocate CHRISTOPHER WIGGINS staff writer, the advocate & out MEY RUDE editor in chief, out DANIEL REYNOLDS digital director, out RAFFY ERMAC associate digital director, out & pride.com BERNARDO SIM managing editor, out traveler DONALD PADGETT editor in chief, pride.com RACHEL SHATTO ADVOCATE CHANNEL vp, video, operations JASON KNIGHT vp, women’s programming & host SONIA BAGHDADY vp, executive producer of entertainment TRACY E. GILCHRIST producer, host AARON DEANE producer, host LAPORSCHE THOMAS booking producer CAROLINE WEISS senior producer BRIAN KELLEY producer CARA GLASS host & producer JAYMES VAUGHAN host & producer STEPHEN WALKER host & producer RACHEL SMITH climate change reporter, producer MICHAEL SMITH chief video editor LAMONT BALDWIN senior video editor RICHARD GACOVINO chief video editor LUCY VALENTI chief video editor WALTER COLVIN

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e d i t o r ’s le t ter

by desirée guerrero

a note from our ceo

COURTESY (GUERRERO); ROL A ND FIT Z (BERRYHILL)

A

nother year has come and gone, and another not without extreme ups and downs in our nation and world. As we dive into 2024, we at Plus wanted to start things on as positive a note as possible, while still tackling the tough issues that affect us all.

Representing for our annual Black Community issue and gracing our front cover is the reigning Mr. Gay World, Troy Michael Smith. The title runs much deeper than physical beauty and fashion — its serves as a platform to spread awareness for issues that Smith is passionate about, like mental heath.

In our cover story interview starting on page 14, Smith opens up about his own journey with depression and explains that there’s power in letting your guard down. “My vulnerability is my greatest strength. When you find the courage to let people in, they’ll get a better understanding of what you’re going through and how to help you,” Smith says. “Also, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. It can be uncomfortable at first, but therapy saved my life.”

Smith is also a big proponent for PrEP use, and notes how powerful a tool it is for preventing the spread of HIV. Statisically, PrEP is mostly

being utilized by gay and bi white men, despite the fact that Black and brown communities continue to be the most affected by HIV. Fortunately, a new intiative led my students from Historica lly Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is helping spread PrEP awareness, and making it easy and confidential for fellow students to access it. Check out the full story on page 38 for some feel-good inspiration!

Art has always been an important part of expressing the history, and current state, of HIV/AIDS. On page 30, take in the stunning images by photographer Eric Hart Jr. created for the “I Love Myself” initiative. The series features photos and videos of five men living with HIV, including media mogul, human rights activist, and Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin.

“These images give us agency and autonomy over our bodies, our health, our sexuality, and our Black Boy Joy,” Wilbekin says.

Also, on page 6, read about how British actor and art curator Russell Tovey recently took a deep-dive into the art of the AIDS era for a special project. And don’t miss our story on page 42 about an artist educating a new generation about the height of the HIV epidemic.

The Plus team is so proud to start another year of celebrating the amazing people and advancements made in the HIV community. We hope to continue being a go-to source for accurate information on HIV, sexual health, and wellness — and for a heaping dose of positive energy!

Dear Plus Readers, As we usher in the season of connection, I am thrilled to welcome you to the latest issue of Plus. We’re excited to have the wonderful Troy Michael Smith, Mr. Gay America 2023, on this issue’s cover. We’re equally proud to explore the myriad intersections of health and identity, discovering how we can can be greater advocates for access and equity to viable resources.

In early November, we came together to show love for the most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ individuals of 2023. The Out100 gala celebrated individuals who opened doors from across entertainment, politics, business, advocacy, and more. We witnessed inspiring words from singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis and danced the night away with music spun

by Kevin Aviance, Ty Sunderland, and DJ Mikey Pop. But beyond the accolades, the Out100 symbolizes our community’s resilience and the belief that love knows no boundaries. The individuals of the Out100 embody courage and the unyielding spirit of authenticity, serving as beacons of inspiration.

As we begin to explore the new year full of hope and love, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you.

Your passion and commitment have been the driving force behind our shared journey. May 2024 bring you joy, fulfillment, and the continued strength to forge meaningful connections. Here’s to a future filled with love, understanding, and shared moments that define the human experience.

With warm regards,

Be well, DESIRÉE GUERRERO editor in chief

Mark Berryhill, Chief Executive Officer, equalpride

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buzzworthy

AN ARTIST’S EYE

Gay icon Russell Tovey uses his deep well of knowledge to resurrect the work of creators lost to AIDS.

T

BY NEAL BROVERMAN

V viewers may know Russell Tovey as the handsome star of shows like Looking, Years and Years, and American Horror Story: NYC. What many don’t know about the British actor is that for the past two decades he’s been an avid art collector and advocate, with a passion for modern works. As the host of the podcast Talk Art, Tovey and his friend, gallerist Robert Diament, examine the creations of modern legends like Ryan Gander and Zawe Ashton. Tovey’s personal collection of modern art and his deep knowledge of the field has enabled him to curate galleries, festivals, and recently placed him on the jury of Britain’s acclaimed Turner Prize.

So, it’s fitting that file transfer company WeTransfer recently tapped Tovey as their guest curator for their arts endeavor, WePresent, handing Tovey the reins to three projects it bankrolled, all of which touch upon LGBTQ+ subjects and the effect that HIV and AIDS had on them.

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The documentary, Life is Excellent, centers on the life and art of David Robilliard, a gay artist and poet who Tovey has long admired and someone who, at the age of 36, died from HIV complications in 1988. In the film, Tovey calls Robilliard one of the “greatest artists you’ve probably never heard of” and his “hero.” Tovey makes it clear in the film that his goal is to ensure Robilliard’s contributions to the world are not erased by AIDS. Life is Excellent is streamable on werepresent.wetransfer.com and was shown at a recent free art exhibit that Tovey also helped bring to life. “We Move In Circles” allowed the public to not only learn about Robilliard’s work, but also explored the role of protest T-shirts in the heady days of AIDS. Featuring shirts with designs from another artist lost to AIDS, Keith Haring, and tees emblazoned with messages from ACT UP, as well as British HIV groups like Never Going Underground, the exhibit demonstrates how T-shirts served

as a “universal canvas for protest, and reminds visitors that narratives from the AIDS crisis are as present as ever as AIDS continues to affect so many around the world,” WePresent announced in a statement. Iconic pieces of gay literature were also present at “We Move in Circles,” which took place in the Shoreditch neighborhood of London. Earlier in 2023, Tovey and WePresent staged four live performances of Blue Now, a modern, live take on Derek Jarman’s 1993 film Blue. The film’s title derived from the gay filmmaker’s struggle with HIV-induced onset blindness, which only allowed him to see in shades of blue. Jarman died a year after the film was released.

Tovey expresses deep gratitude for WePresent’s contributions to reviving some of the greatest works from HIVpositive artists.

“This collaboration with WePresent underscores our shared commitment to amplify the voices of underrepresented com mu n it ies,” Tovey sa id i n a statement. “Through our year-long exploration, we’ve commemorated artists like Derek Jarman and David Robilliard, with the goal to ensure their significant contributions to culture can resonate with a new generation. I am thrilled that, together, we’re able to honor incredible queer art history and help bring it to new audiences around the world.”

THE BISHOPSG ATE LIBR A RY (TOVE Y); PAST (TEES)

Art collector and curator Russell Tovey holds up a photo portrait of David Robilliard, a gay artist who died of HIV complications in 1988

Vintage ACT UP T-shirt

buzzworthy

THE LEADERS KEEPING AIDS ALIVE

LEFT TO RIGHT Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban; Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Russian President Vladimir Putin

T H E U N I T E D N AT I O N S still believes

AIDS can be mostly eradicated by 2030, but the organization’s head of AIDS programs said the goal is being undermined by a global backlash to LGBTQ+ people and other groups.

“This pushback — anti-human rights, antidemocratic, anti-gender equality — has put our work under threat,” Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, told Reuters in late November.

The nations that criminalize gay and bisexual people, sex work, and drug users are, generally, the places seeing upticks or flatlining of HIV infections, Byanyima said.

The Ugandan-based leader also blamed the discouraging numbers on persistent HIV stigma, discrimination, and a lack of sex education.

The UN’s goal of ending AIDS this decade is still possible, but, “that’s not the same as saying it will be achieved.” Byanyima noted 8

JA NUA RY / FEBRUA RY 2024

progress in Africa, but said other regions are backsliding, like eastern Europe. Nations like Poland, Hungary, and Russia are ruled by far-right leaders who often demonize and criminalize sexual minorities. Meanwhile, countries like Italy and Argentina have recently elected conservative leaders who often stigmatize people at risk of contracting HIV. Byanyima draws a direct line between these actions by world leaders and HIV’s persistence.

Considering the reality of the current world order, the solution, according to Byanyima, is for all nations to support and fund local community organizations that provide HIV resources, including treatment and prevention services.

There were 39 million people living with HIV in 2022, with 1.3 million people newly infected.

Nearly 30 million of those were on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, according to data. As a result of the disparity between those infected and those on treatment, there were at least 630,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2022. — N B

SHUT TERSTOCK

The UN’s HIV leader says a backlash to human rights is hindering their goal of ending the disease.

buzzworthy

A Star for Timothy

Palm Springs honors the first person known to be cured of HIV with a permanent memorial.

BY DESIRÉE GUERRERO

TJ K IRK PATRICK / GE T T Y IM AGES (BROWN); COURTESY FACEBOOK (STA R); SHUT TERSTOCK (RIBBON)

PALM SPRINGS RECENTLY honored an important historic figure in

the HIV community, Timothy Ray Brown, the first person known to have been functionally cured of HIV. A star with Brown’s name on it was permanently added to the city’s Walk of the Stars, according to the Desert Sun. It was unveiled on December 1, 2023, as part of its annual World AIDS Day events and was placed in proximity to the future site of an AIDS memorial near Downtown Park.

Brown was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 28 in 1995, and like most people living with HIV at the time, a cure wasn’t something that felt within reach. Then, just over a decade later, he was diagnosed with leukemia while living in Germany. There, Brown underwent two stem cell transplant surgeries (a second was done because the leukemia had returned after the first). Miraculously,

Brown had also been cured of HIV due to the transplants, as the donor was apparently genetically resistant to his particular strain of HIV, which is extremely rare. Until Brown decided to go public with his story, he was simply known to the world as “the Berlin patient.”

While stem cell transplants are too dangerous and difficult to be used on patients who don’t immediately need them, the case proved that HIV can be cured, and gave doctors unprecedented direction in what avenues to explore for potential cures.

For the rest of his life, Brown tirelessly worked with scientists, doctors, and researchers to further HIV cure-based research.

But it was work that his longtime partner, Tim Hoeffgen, says the normally shy Brown was happy to do.

“Tim just loved to meet with researchers and activists and… just sharing his experience of everything he went through,” said Hoeffgen at the star’s unveiling ceremony. Adding that Brown “really just loved to interact with people. Researchers and students, they were in awe of him, and he was in awe of them.”

Brown and Hoeffgen eventually settled in Palm Springs, California, and became a much beloved couple in the queer-friendly desert community. In addition to Brown’s new star, a memorial bench and plaque was installed at the Palm Springs Wellness Park shortly after his passing in September of 2020, due to a recurrence of cancer.

(However, no signs of HIV ever returned in Brown’s system.)

The president of the International AIDS Society, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, expressed deep gratitude for Brown’s life at the time of his passing, saying that “we owe Timothy and his doctor, Gero Hütter, a great deal of gratitude for opening the door for scientists to explore the concept that a cure for HIV is possible.”

3

The number of people confirmed to have been cured of HIV after stem cell transplants replaced all the cells of their immune systems.

Another three similar cases have recently been reported, but it’s too early to say if HIV has been completely cleared in these cases.

Source: AIDSMap, “Cases of HIV Cure,” October 2023

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buzzworthy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WORLD AIDS DAY

A look back at how this annual commemoration — launched 35 years ago — brought the public’s attention to a pandemic’s reality.

BY A DVO C AT E E D I T O R S

1 and dedicated to awareness of the HIV pandemic, focused on grassroots efforts this past year, with a theme entitled “Let Communities Lead.” The goal of 2023’s World AIDS Day was to strengthen groups focused on those living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV. But “communities are being held back in their leadership,” UNAIDS notes.

“Funding shortages, policy and regulatory hurdles, capacity constraints, and crackdowns on civil society and on the human rights of marginalized communities, are obstructing the progress of HIV prevention and treatment services. If these obstacles are removed, community-led organizations can add even greater impetus to the global HIV response, advancing progress towards the end of AIDS.” The World Health Organization, a major driver of World AIDS Day, describes the annual event as “an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world. It has become one of the most widely recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise

Chinese children mark the occasion of World AIDS Day in 2009

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awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.”

For 35 years, World AIDS Day has brought the public’s attention back to a pandemic that was either largely misunderstood or, now, mostly ignored by the mainstream media. World AIDS Day is more important than ever since younger generations don’t feel the same urgency with HIV as their parents and grandparents did, even though the disease has taken over 40 million people from us.

We’re all aware of the progress in testing, treatment, and prevention since those horrifying days of the 1980s and ’90s. While stigma remains one of the driving factors behind HIV’s persistence, World AIDS Day has chipped away at ignorance surrounding the disease by employing celebrities, politicians, health officials, and people living with HIV to tell the truth about the disease and explain how we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

On the following pages, see images of historic World AIDS Day events that broke the silence on HIV.

VCG/GE T T Y IM AGES

WO R LD A I D S DAY, a global day held every December

buzzworthy

A MY SUSSM A N/ GE T T Y IM AGES(BE YONCÉ); CYNTHIA JOHNSON/ GE T T Y IM AGES(PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON); DAVE M. BENE T T/ GE T T Y IM AGES(A NNIE LENNOX A ND LUDACRIS); PRINCESS DIA N A A RCHIVE / GE T T Y IM AGES(PRINCESS DIA N A); DAVE HOG A N/ GE T T Y IM AGES(DIDIER DROGBA A ND BONO); R ACHEL LUN A / GE T T Y IM AGES (BILLY PORTER)

Princess Diana at the Concert of Hope, a London benefit concert held on World AIDS Day in 1993

Beyoncé attends the Giorgio Armani Go Red for World AIDS Day event in New York City in 2006

Former President Clinton and a special guest during a World AIDS Event in 1998 Footballer Didier Drogba (left) and Bono attend the NIKE & (RED) Charity event in London, 2009

Actor and musician Billy Porter speaks at a World AIDS Day fundraiser in 2019

Annie Lennox and rapper Ludacris at a World AIDS Day event in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007

buzzworthy

The Austrian parliament boldly proclaims its support for HIV causes back in 2016

An activist calls attention to people affected by HIV during a 2005 World AIDS Day protest in Jakarta, Indonesia

Challenging stigma, people living with HIV take part in a South African World AIDS Day protest in 2004

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JOE K L A M A R / GE T T Y IM AGES(AUSTRIA N PA RLIA MENT); BAY ISMOYO/ GE T T Y IM AGES(INDONESIA N ACTIVIST); GIDEON MENDEL / GE T T Y IM AGES(NOZ A MILE NDA R A H); DA NIEL GIRY/ GE T T Y IM AGES(CT UP DEMONSTR ATION)

A European ACT UP-led protest held on World AIDS Day in 1994

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JAY RYCO

The newly-crowned Mr. Gay World, mental health advocate TROY MICHAEL SMITH, wants people to know beauty is way more than skin-deep.

BY NEAL BROVERMAN

B E A U T Y PA G E A N T S G E T a bad rap, Troy Michael Smith believes. As the most recent winner of the Mr. Gay World competition — produced by a 15-year-old nonprofit that aims to “identify the best spokesperson for the LGBTQI community” — Smith is excited about the platform his victory provides. The Alaska-based realtor and pageant consultant hopes to spread the word on mental health and fighting suicide; he points out his state’s queer community is disproportionately prone to self-harm. While Smith’s victory at the October

competition in South Africa included old-school categories like swimwear and formal wear, he was also required to ace an LGBTQ+ history test and a 10-minute presentation on social responsibility. The public speaking may have been the easiest aspect of the competition for Smith, who has ran for public office and worked for Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Smith shared with Plus his plans as Mr. Gay World, as well as details on his fitness regimen, a possible return to politics, and his suggestions for defeating HIV in the Black community.

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Congratulations on winning the Mr. Gay World crown. What is the competition like and what does it take to win?

The overall experience is life changing. You get to create lifelong relationships with incredible guys from all around the world. The competition is brutal because there are so many areas of competition and you have very little room for error if you want to make the top 5. In a competition like this, you need to understand the scoring system and how much each category is worth. For example, the social responsibility campaign challenge was 25 percent of the overall score. If you don’t do well in that challenge, you have no chance of winning and very little hope of making the top 5.

The general rule should be to prepare yourself to do well in every single category. That’s what I did.

I studied gay history and current events because I knew that the written exam was one of the major categories. That’s another very important area. If you don’t know about our gay history, you won’t stand a chance on the written exam. If you don’t do well on the written exam, you can’t win either. It’s a heavily weighted category.

In order to win Mr. Gay World, you need to score in the top 3 in every single category, especially in the categories that are the highest scoring — written exam, public vote, and social responsibility campaign. If you win one or more of these categories, there is a little wiggle room to place out of the top 3 in a category that’s only worth 5 percent of score.

For me, I won the three major categories that weighted most in score: the written exam, social responsibility campaign, and the public vote.

That’s most likely what won me the title. Most importantly, this isn’t a beauty pageant about who is the hottest gay guy in the world. It’s a competition searching for LGBTQ leaders who are established and have active plans to take their advocacy to another level. Everyone in the top 5 had incredible platforms and were very deserving of the title. I couldn’t have asked for a better top 5 to be holding hands with. I will cherish this moment forever.

What will being Mr. Gay World entail for you over the next year?

My goal is to continue advocating and spreading awareness for suicide prevention. The gay community is 4 to 5 times more than likely to attempt suicide than any other demographic. These statistics are continuously rising within our community and that’s a problem. As a member of the Board of 16

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“THIS ISN’T A BEAUTY PAGEANT ABOUT WHO IS THE HOTTEST GAY GUY IN THE WORLD. IT’S A COMPETITION SEARCHING FOR LGBTQ LEADERS WHO ARE ESTABLISHED AND HAVE ACTIVE PLANS TO TAKE THEIR ADVOCACY TO ANOTHER LEVEL.” Directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Alaska, I plan to hit the ground running to recruit volunteers, advocate for public policy, and fundraise for this incredible nonprofit organization.

Moreover, I was recently invited to attend the AFSP National Leadership Conference this January in Orlando.

My goal is to share my story through public speaking engagements, be more involved in the community, and serve as a certified volunteer crisis counselor. My team and I are in the talks of launching a “Mr. Gay World Tour” so I can travel and partner with various organizations and celebrity mental health advocates to help save lives. There are so many different ways to be involved in suicide prevention and I would absolutely love to launch a tour … I would love to work with Bravo, OutTV, or Netflix on a documentary or show of some sort. I think the more vision we can spread, the more we can move closer to reducing that stigma. We always ask the question, “How can we end the stigma around mental

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health?” One of the top answers you’ll hear is, “By talking about and normalizing it.” What better way to talk about it than to create a show regarding the subject?

You’re the first Black man crowned Mr. Gay World. Tell us how that feels.

I grew up in an area that was challenging being a person of color. I was often called racial slurs in school from late elementary through high school. It was saddening because if you ever had the courage to stand up for yourself, you were the one who was considered a “trouble-maker.”

The system has been fundamentally flawed from the very beginning, and I’ve witnessed white privilege and racism firsthand. However, I took that hurt and pain and turned it into a life of activism. To this day, as a Black man, I won’t let any racially motivated bigotry affect anything that I do. My favorite quote of all time is by Michelle Obama — “When they go low, we go high.” This has been my credo ever since she first spoke those words at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of all things I’ve accomplished in my life thus far, becoming the first Black man to win Mr. Gay World in its 15 year history sits at the very top.

Black gay and bisexual men are still disproportionately affected by HIV. How can we change the paradigm on this?

First of all, this all comes down to systemic inequalities. Gay Black people are still experiencing racial disparities in health and are more prone to broader social and economic barriers than any other demographic. We need to do better as a country to ensure that health care is more equitable for the Black community.

The best way that we can make change is through public policy. This means we need to continue electing officials who understand the extreme importance of addressing racial disparities and how that affects the overall health of Black communities.

Moreover, one of the most important ways that we, as gay Black men, can do our part in preventing HIV is to ensure that we only practice safe sex, combined with PrEP, regardless if we are in a monogamous relationship or not. Oftentimes, couples in monogamous relationships link infidelity to PrEP and that’s a huge stigma we need to overcome. PrEP is a necessary precaution to prevent the spread 20

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“MY FAVORITE QUOTE OF ALL TIME IS BY MICHELLE OBAMA ‘WHEN THEY GO LOW, WE GO HIGH.’ THIS HAS BEEN MY CREDO EVER SINCE SHE FIRST SPOKE THOSE WORDS.” of HIV. I like to break PrEP into two different categories: protecting yourself and protecting others. Making a decision to take PrEP to protect your own health is 100 percent valid.

Your partner shouldn’t question your loyalty for choosing to protect your own health. In my opinion, I think monogamous couples opting to use PrEP together could be very beneficial to help inspire others that precautionary measures are extremely important in preventing HIV. We should make it a top priority to ensure that the Black community is educated and encouraged to use PrEP. PrEP combined with safe sex has proven to be extremely effective in preventing the spread of HIV. Statistics show a very large percentage of the Black community is aware of what PrEP is, but there is still a very low percentage who actually use this preventative drug. Our [Black] community has a much lower usage of PrEP than any other demographic. If we can encourage our community to utilize this preventative drug, that will play a huge role in helping prevent the spread of HIV. Why is the issue of mental health especially important to you?

I’m a suicide survivor and I’ve lost friends to suicide. A few years ago my best friend from back home lost her father to suicide. This really hit me hard. Her and her brother are dear friends of mine and it was heartbreaking watching them go through this.

I’ve also lost a very close family friend to the opioid crisis. Addiction isn’t a choice. It’s never a choice. The misconception around this puzzles me. Stigmas often portray a negative image of our loved ones. Our focus needs to be on ending that stigma.

Aside from that, I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2019. I don’t have any shame in

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that. Through therapy, medication, and selfcare I am able to live a normal life. Often times it’s harder than most to smile, but I make sure to take care of myself and surround myself with positive people.

I would encourage people to be more vulnerable. My vulnerability is my greatest strength. When you find the courage to let people in, they’ll get a better understanding of what you’re going through and how to help you. Also, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. It can be uncomfortable at first, but therapy saved my life. Being able to talk to a person, confidentially, who doesn’t know you takes a huge weight off of your shoulders.

Therapists are able to help you immensely if you open up and be honest.

You’ve also been candid about your weight loss and fitness journey. It’s often hard to take that first step when it comes to exercise and diet. Can you offer any recommendations?

It is very hard to get started, but once you do it, it’s well worth it.... I don’t work out for my physical appearance. I stay active and workout because it gives me a clear mind. Anytime that I work out, I feel a significant increase in my mood after.

Pairing that with a healthy meal is golden.

But of course your physique improves with healthy eating and exercise. I’d say that’s my secret. I don’t really focus on my fitness. I specifically work out and eat healthy because it boosts my mood and always gives me a positive mentality.

Also, intermittent fasting is my go-to. I only eat between 12 noon and 8 p.m. There is so much research that proves the significant benefit of this type of fasting. You have to be careful though. You need to make sure that if you fast you plan your workouts accordingly. Your body needs nutrition to survive and feeding it after a workout is pertinent.

Taking the first step is always rough. I like to give myself something to look forward to. For example, my little cousin is getting married in March 2024. I want to look and feel my best for her wedding, so that’s something that keeps me inspired to stay on track. Pick anything to look forward to — vacation, wedding, class reunion, etc. I think that’s a little trick that helps ignite the process. It gets easier to start on track once you make it a routine.

You previously ran for public office in your home in Alaska. Do you still have political aspirations?

Absolutely. I ran for local office for City Assembly in Juneau. There is so much to be done at the local level and it would have been an honor to serve, but I think everything happens for a reason. The woman who

prevailed is an amazing person and I’m sure she’ll accomplish great things during her time as an assembly member.

For me, the picture is bigger. It always has been. Simply put, the answer to your question is “yes.” Public policy is something that is extremely important to instill change and make a difference in this world. I’ve been involved in politics for many years and I’ve worked for both Democrats and Republicans.

Most recently I served as the Coordinator of Southeast Alaska for Senator Lisa Murkowski’s successful re-election campaign. Being able to stand by her side was an incredible experience.

She’s an admirable woman and she is an icon in the United States. She’s exactly who I aspire to be like. She doesn’t let her party define who she is as a person. She votes on issues with heart and refuses to be influenced by party pushers.

I’m a Democrat. She’s a Republican. The most important thing I’ve learned from her is from something she said to me when I hosted her at my home. She said, “I’m not running for office to represent Republicans. I’m not running to represent Democrats. I’m running to represent Alaskans. All Alaskans.” I don’t think she gets enough credit from our community. Senator Murkowski is one of the strongest allies in the United States to our LGBTQ community. I’ll say this — if anyone can become the first female president of the United States, it’s Michelle Obama or Lisa Murkowski. Either of them would win in a landslide victory.

Having that said— I will run for senator in Alaska, but never against Lisa. Either after she’s retired, or I will definitely challenge our other Alaskan Senator, Dan Sullivan. Lisa is the heart and soul of Alaska, and I would be honored to be her successor or colleague. Many people think it’s a wild fantasy to run as a gay, Black, liberal man because Alaska has always been a “red state,” but my response has always been “don’t underestimate Alaskans.” Alaskans have proven to elect effective leaders. It’s time that we elect more leaders who place mental health at the forefront. Alaska is a state with one of the highest suicide rates per capita, a large homeless population, and suffers from the effects of the opioid crisis. A political affiliation doesn’t matter when voting to improve the quality of life for all Alaskans. No matter the difficulty, I accept that challenge.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations.

The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject. org/Help or text START to 678678.

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH A look back on the history of HIV criminalization in this country reveals its dark connection to racism, classism, and homophobia.

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activities that increase transmission risk may seem like a good idea. Yet a 2016 study revealed that in the states that had HIV criminalization statutes, there was no correlation between the laws and HIV diagnoses. Additionally, the majority of such laws were passed before medication mitigating or preventing HIV was even developed. For example, antiretroviral therapy can virally suppress HIV and prevent individuals from transmitting the virus to others. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 99 percent. However, HIV criminalization laws continue to apply, despite any protective measures PLHIV may take.

Yet, most HIV-specific laws are not applied to other sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis C and B. As a result, laws often impose criminal liability solely on the basis that the defendant was HIV-positive, meaning some were prosecuted despite a lack of actual transmission or in cases where the risk of transmission was very low. For instance, several states criminalize biting, spitting, or oral sex by HIV-positive persons, yet saliva is not a scientifically proven transmission risk. Widespread ignorance and stigma have also caused PLHIV’s blood, semen, and saliva to even sometimes be referred to as “deadly weapons,” meaning they could be charged with

Activists marching to the offices of CBS in Manhattan in January 2020 to demand accountability for stigmatizing coverage of HIV

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n 2008, a Black man from Louisiana was charged with a felony for intentional “exposure to AIDS,” despite not having it. Instead, the man was diagnosed with HIV and had been receiving consistent medical care since.

In 2010, an HIV-positive protester in Maryland was given five years in prison for second-degree assault because he spit on a police officer. From 2008 to 2013, at least 180 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were arrested or charged under HIV criminalization laws.

During the early years of the epidemic, public fear and a widespread stigma against HIV incited a global rush to prosecute HIV-positive individuals. The U.S. became the first country to introduce HIV-specific criminal laws in 1987, establishing penalties for “failing to disclose infection, for exposing others to the disease, and for transmitting the disease intentionally or unintentionally,” according to American Academy of HIV Medicine. The passage of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act in 1990 required states to prove they had laws in place to prosecute HIVinfected individuals who knowingly exposed others to HIV — and currently, 35 states have varying degrees of HIV criminalization laws, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

On the surface, laws requiring the disclosure of one’s HIV status before participating in

SPENCER PL AT T/ GE T T Y IM AGES (TOP); ERIK MCGREGOR / LIGHTROCK E T/ GE T T Y IM AGES

aggravated assault, attempted murder, and even bioterrorism. Consequently, HIV exposure laws could very well backfire. For example, fear of criminalization could dissuade PLHIV from discussing their sexual behavior with doctors because doctors’ notes could later be subpoenaed, and the laws could also prompt people at risk not to get tested because knowing their HIV status would make them legally culpable. In other words, someone who is HIVpositive but does not know their status cannot be prosecuted. Yet, if someone decides to get tested and finds out that they are HIV-positive, they can then be prosecuted.

HI V criminalization laws also dispropor tionately impact historica l ly marginalized groups, including people of color, sex workers, and men who have sex with other men (MSM). As a virus that is extremely vulnerable to factors like poverty and stigma, HIV is especially prevalent in under-resourced neighborhoods that face a variety of barriers to HIV care and prevention. Chief among them is housing instability, with PLHIV making up 3.3 percent of the homeless population in 2010, and the rates of HIV are much higher among those who experience homelessness than among the general population. Racial minorities who reside in less affluent neighborhoods also have more interactions with the police, making them more susceptible to becoming targets of HIV-related crimes; Black men are much more likely to be convicted of HIV-related crimes than white men, according to the Williams Institute. Sex workers

are also another group disproportionately harmed. For instance, among the 800 cases of prosecutions under HIV-related laws in California between 1998 and 2014, 95 percent involved sex workers or people accused of sex work. Compounding excessive criminalization, many PLHIV are unaware that such laws even exist. A 2017 study revealed that across 16 states, 75 percent of MSM, whether HIV-positive or not, were unaware of their state laws, making them even more vulnerable to incarceration. The study also showed that, among PLHIV who were aware of their state’s HIV criminalization laws, that knowledge did little to change their behavior when it came to condomless anal sex.

In 2020, numerous HIV service organizations such as ACT UP NY, Bailey House, GMHC, Housing Works, and VOCAL NY participated in a rally in New York City to combat HIV criminalization

Protesters lie down in the street on World AIDS Day December 1, 2011, in NYC

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Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been fighting for HIV decriminalization for over a decade

Currently, there are no federal laws explicitly addressing HI V criminalization, although several laws have been introduced but failed in committee. One of them is the Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (REPEAL) HIV Discrimination Act, which was introduced in 2013 by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a California Democrat. While a number of its recommendations have been adopted by numerous state and federal agencies and initiatives, such as the National AIDS Strategy, the CDC, the Department of Justice, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the legislation has yet to achieve congressional approval from the House or Senate.

Recent years have seen pushback from activists and legislators to repeal or modernize outdated HIV criminalization laws at the state level. Texas repealed its criminalization statutes in 1994, yet

PLHIV can still be prosecuted under general criminal laws and face charges such as attempted murder and aggravated assault. In July 2021, Illinois’s House Bill 1063 repealed the Illinois Criminal Transmission of HIV statute, which eliminated the threat of prosecution and incarceration for PLHIV and instead treated HIV as any other long-term chronic disease.

Since 2014, 11 additional states, including California, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, and North Carolina, have modernized their laws.

These enacted measures include requiring proof of intent to transmit, taking into account PLHIV who took practical measures to prevent HIV transmission (such as antiretroviral and condom use), reducing criminalization penalties from a felony to a misdemeanor, and removing the provision from the criminal code to be part of the administrative code as a measure to help control communicable diseases. It is important to note, however, that there are reasons to remain cautious despite significant progress.

For instance, modernized laws preventing prosecution of PLHIV who are virally suppressed may exclude groups, such as sex workers, who are already less likely to access the services they need to achieve an undetectable viral load.

HI V decriminalization necessitates a multifaceted re-examination and redefinition of legislation and societal structures, which can’t be solved by a silver bullet solution. Rather, laws should be written intending to not only prevent transmission but also to protect PLHIV, and scientific advancements necessitate legal modernization as new therapies and treatments continue to greatly reduce transmission risk.

Ultimately, people living with HIV should not be prosecuted simply because the law cannot keep pace with science.

C AT H E R I N E TA N G is a freshman at the University of

Pennsylvania majoring in Health and Societies with a concentration in Health Policy & Law. 28

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ERIK MCGREGOR / LIGHTROCK E T/ GE T T Y IM AGES (PROTESTORS); LEIGH VOGEL / GE T T Y IM AGES (CONGRESSWOM A N LEE)

A rally participant holds a protest sign while marching in NYC in January 2020

BARE BEAUTY

“I Love Myself” allows Black queer men with HIV to display both vulnerability and confidence.

BY NEAL BROVERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC HART JR. GROOMING SAEED RAMIREZ

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Depictions of Black gay beauty in the media are few and far between. Add in HIV to the mix, and you’ll have to work even harder to find such individuals in movies, TV, or advertising. A new campaign initiated by the nonprofit Native Son (nativeson.us), which works to empower Black gay and bi men, hopes to fill that void with glossy depictions of this often maligned community.

The “I Love Myself” initiative features images and videos starring five men living with HIV, including Native Son founder, Emil Wilbekin, a media maven who’s held high ranking editorial positions at publications like Essence, Vibe, and Aftropunk. The subjects, photographed by Eric Hart Jr., are all nude — and facing the camera with a mix of joy, pride, and determination.

“It’s important that we shift the narrative around HIV and counter the stigma and shame in our community,” Wilbekin said in a statement. “These nude portraits are beautiful and show the vibrance and vitality of what it means to be Black, queer, and living with HIV today. These images give us agency and autonomy over our bodies, our health, our sexuality, and our Black Boy Joy.” The images will be showcased on Native Son’s social media platforms, Instagram, Meta, and X, and on the following pages.

Dimitri J. Moïse

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Tony Jermin

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George M. Johnson

Steven Claiborne

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Emil Wilbekin

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While the HIV prevention drug is common among white, affluent, urban gays, a new team is ensuring access across color lines.

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COURTESY HRC

MISSION POSSIBLE: BLACK QUEER FOLKS AND PREP

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n an urgent bid to counter the decline in the utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the fight against HIV, particularly among Black and brown communities, the Human Rights Campaign has instituted an initiative focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

A team of 12 students will take on the role of PrEP Peer Educators with a mission to combat HIV and AIDS-related stigma on HBCU campuses through public awareness campaigns focused on PrEP, HIV testing, and treatment options.

The Advocate, a sister publication to Plus, recently held a deep-dive conversation with the director of the HRC’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program, Leslie Hall, and the associate director of HIV & Health Equity, Vanessa Castro, to delve into the nuances of this significant program. The discussion explored the contemporary landscape of HIV prevention efforts and the role the HRC’s program plays in shaping the future.

During the 2022 International AIDS Conference, it was noted that the fight against HIV is slipping due to decreasing access to PrEP, experts pointed out at the event in Montreal. The conference also highlighted the urgency to address the stigma still present around the virus and its prevention.

Detailing the inception of the program, Hall emphasized it was crafted to fill the knowledge void on HBCU campuses about PrEP and reduce stigma, a significant barrier hindering students from getting tested or even visiting wellness centers. He voiced concerns over the decline in Black and brown individuals, specifically Black gay men, initiating and sustaining PrEP usage.

This initiative took off with a grant from Gilead Sciences, allowing a cohort of student leaders to be trained as PrEP educators, breaking the chains of misinformation and guiding peers seeking prescriptions.

Notably, the program has adjusted its focus, steering towards students who are not only well-rounded but comfortable discussing HIV and other related topics openly, Hall highlighted, emphasizing a strategy to prioritize areas and campuses with more significant needs and potential for outreach.

The program devised a strategy involving student leaders adept in sexual health and wellness, an approach grounded in the reality of HBCU campuses, many lacking health resources. Hall explained, “The reality is if you’re not at the top 10 or 15 largest HBCUs, your health center probably has one or two folks.”

Dr. Patrick Sullivan, a public health expert at Emory University in Atlanta, leads a team that has introduced AIDSVu, a pioneering PrEP use data platform that provides maps highlighting demographic and statespecific data. He points out that in 2021, while Black individuals represented 14 percent of PrEP users across the country, they accounted for 42 percent of new HIV diagnoses.

“If four in 10 new diagnoses are in Black people, then we’d like to see four in 10 Black people who are taking PrEP,” Sullivan remarked. “There’s a significant disparity, notably among Black and Hispanic communities, and between women and men. This disparity underscores the challenge of ensuring equitable access and addressing the unique obstacles faced by different groups.”

Highlighting the diversity in the student cohort involved in the program, Hall mentioned that they consciously included a significant representation of Black women, given the high rates of people living with HIV in that demographic. These students present themselves as experts, bridging the gap between their peers and access to PrEP. HIVPLUSM AG.COM

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COURTESY HRC

HBCU students are working with the Human Rights Campaign to spread awareness about PrEP on their campuses.

Castro stressed the urgency of addressing the underutilization of PrEP in Black communities, where less than 8 percent are being prescribed PrEP. “These conversations have been siloed for too long,” Castro stressed, outlining the initiative’s approach to empowering young people to take health into their own hands. She illustrated a transformative methodology focusing on the practical application of knowledge in students’ environments, such as establishing partnerships with local community organizations or initiating discussions with school administrators to bring necessary services to their campuses.

Castro explained that the program fosters relationships with community-based organizations and utilizes resources like mobile testing units to bring services closer to students.

“We focused on empowering young people to understand how they can better serve their community and create transformative changes by taking knowledge and applying it in their spaces,” Castro remarked, underscoring the critical role of destigmatization in the broader landscape.

On the logistics of selecting student leaders for this initiative, Hall mentioned a dynamic strategy encompassing outreach through social media networks and group interviews to evaluate comfort levels in discussing HIV and sexual health.

In a notable advancement, the program partnered with QCare Plus to facilitate an easy and confidential system for students to access PrEP. Students can use unique QR codes distributed through PrEP educators to undertake the process virtually, ensuring confidentiality and convenience. All of this is free.

Hall explained, “Once students feel comfortable taking the next step to explore the possibility of getting prescribed PrEP, they hand them a postcard with a unique QR code. It’s all confidential, giving them the freedom to go through the process without involving their parents if they are on their health insurance.”

Castro also noted HRC’s “Wellness in Action” initiative, which provides self-testing kits, emphasizing the convenience and comfort it accords individuals in the testing process.

At a crucial juncture where the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat overshadowed the persistent battle against HIV, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the fight continues with renewed vigor, harnessing the power of knowledge and the spirit of community collaboration to foster a future devoid of HIV-related stigmas and disparities.

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ABOVE Dream House

THE HEIGHT OF AIDS THROUGH YOUNG EYES A recent exhibit brought to life the memories of a gay artist who grew up amid tragedy.

M

BY TRUDY RING

Find more information about Tomasello’s art at julientomasello.com.

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RIGHT A closer look at Dream House BELOW Tea With Hockney

COURTESY JULIEN TOM ASELLO (A LL)

ixing Patrick Nagel women, pool parties, and harrowing news reports, an exhibition that recently ran at Strut, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s health and wellness center, explores what it was like to be a young LGBTQ+ person at the height of the AIDS epidemic. “‘The Secrets of Summer’ is an ongoing series of collage-on-panel works,” says a statement from the artist, Julien Tomasello, a former staffer with Plus’s sister publication Out. “Each work possesses a narrative of ‘autobiographical fiction.’ These narratives blend events, dreams, and desires I experienced as an LGBTQ+ young person during the 1980s and 1990s, with threads of fictions influenced by the books, music, films, television, and art I absorbed during this time. Escapism was a panacea to the isolation and fear I felt during my youth.

The world around me seemed steeped in conformity, homophobia, and later, darkness as AIDS began its ravage of the LGBTQ+ community I hoped to become part and made the expression of love seem toxic.”

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treatment

New Weight Loss Miracle Drug?

Following the exploding popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy, a new injectable becomes available for those struggling to lose weight.

F O R T H E PA S T year or so, the words “Ozempic” and “Wegovy” have been on many lips. Utilizing an ingredient that suppresses appetite, the weight loss medications found many fans, including some celebrities. Now, a new weight loss drug has been cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration — Eli Lilly’s Zepbound.

Like Ozempic and We g o v y, Ze p b o u n d (the brand name for the drug tirzepatide) is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. While Ozempic is typically prescribed to those with diabetes, Ze p b o u n d , l i ke We g ov y, i s f o r those who don’t already suf fer from diabetes but suffer from obesity or excess weigh t t hat i s complicating their health.

All three drugs are injec table medications.

In announcing t he approval of Zepbound, the FDA pointed ou t t hat about 70 percent of Americans have excess weight and many of those people have health conditions because of it. Dropping 5-10 percent of one’s body weight can wield huge health benefits, the agency stated.

“Obesity and overweight are serious

conditions that can be associated with some of the leading causes of death such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” said John Sharretts, M.D., director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “In light of increasing rates of both obesity and overweight in the United States, [the] approval addresses an unmet medical need.”

While the FDA touts the dramatic effects of dropping even 5 percent of one’s body weight, a phase 3 clinical trial of Zepbound utilizing the highest dose of tirzepatide yielded a staggering 22.5 percent average body weight loss. Even at lower doses, patients reported impressive reductions of weight.

While Ozempic and Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, reduces appetite similar to tirzepatide, the latter drug also appears to improve metabolism, helping the body break down sugar and fat.

Zepbound is approved for those with a body mass index of at least 30 or a BMI of 27 if they suffer from a weight-related condition, which could include problems like sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

Cost may be a deterrent for those interested in taking Zepbound as many insurance carriers and Medicare do not cover weight loss medications. Eli Lilly suggests visiting their website to sign up for possible copays or discounts.

O ze m p i c , We g ov y, a n d n o w Zepbound are options for people li v ing w i t h H I V t r y ing to shed excess weight, at least according to Rajesh Gandhi, MD, of Harvard Medical School. “GLP-1 agonists are revolutionizing the treatment of obesity in the general population, and I have no doubt they will do the same in people with HIV,” Gandhi said at the New England Journal of Medicine conference in October.

ANNA SHVETS/PEXELS

BY N E A L B ROV E R M A N

wellness

Better Together

COURTESY POSITIVE+1

A new app for people living with HIV hopes to foster better health and stronger connections.

A NEW “ALL-IN- ONE” social media network for people living with HIV recently launched with tens of thousands of members already signed up.

In development for over eight years, Positive+1 launched in November and is available to people in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. The people behind Positive+1 tout the HIV-centered social media app as “a first of its kind globally,” filling the need of a community longing for connection and information. On the app, members can find educational materials, drug details, local support networks, and personal connection with both professionals and peers.

“People with HIV experience stigma due to outdated stereotypes and misinformation,” David Vaughn, a consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and someone living with HIV since 2004, said in a statement. “This can often lead to people with HIV feeling isolated and experiencing poorer

mental health. Positive+1 is a welcome addition, allowing people with HIV to connect with those sharing similar experiences. I hope the app will be the catalyst for many friendships and a space where people can seek advice and encouragement to stay healthy.”

The app was started by Christian Mercer-Hall, a young gay dad from the U.K. who turned his focus on creating Postiive+1 after the barbershop and tattoo parlor he operated burned down.

“It feels surreal to say we’re finally here,” Mercer-Hall said in a statement. “This has been almost a decade in the making and I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved. A resource like Positive+1 is going to make a difference to so many people, on so many levels.”

Positive+1 is available for download in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Visit positiveplusone.com for more information.— N B HIVPLUSM AG.COM

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parting shot

STEPPIN’ OUT The stars came out to celebrate the Out100, including some of our favorite HIV advocates and allies!

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LULU DROPO

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t the end of every year, our sister publication at equalpride, Out, celebrates 100 amazing LGBTQ+ individuals using their platforms to move the needle forward for this diverse community. Among the many honorees and guests in attendance were some of our most beloved HIV activists and allies — including GLAAD’s Tony Morrison and Anthony Allen Ramos, and Tony Valenzuela of ONE Archives Foundation. Many of our favorite drag queens also partied down in Hollywood, including Naysha Lopez, Jimbo, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Delta Work, Bianca del Rio, and the legendary Sherry Vine. Attendees were also treated to special appearances

by Out’s Person of the Year, musician Brandi Carlile, and Academy Award-winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who was recently honored by our other sister publication, The Advocate, as a longtime HIV and LGBTQ+ ally and supportive mom of her trans daughter, Ruby.

ROL A ND FIT Z

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Daryl Croston, David Archuleta, and equalpride CEO Mark Berryhill; an image of Out cover girl Brandi Carlile and informative HIV messages provided by Gilead

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM HIV advocate Tony Morrison of GLAAD; Gigi Goode and Symone from the House of Avalon

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Kevin Aviance and Dexter Mayfield; Naysha Lopez, Kasha Davis, Jimbo, and Delta Work; equalpride’s VP, Brand Partnerships Tim Snow (center) and boyfriend Eric Pino with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; Albert Bonitzer Vigil-Romero and husband Andraé Bonitzer Vigil-Romero, equalpride’s Senior Director of Brand Partnerships; Anthony Allen Ramos of GLAAD

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JA NUA RY / FEBRUA RY 2024

ROL A ND FIT Z (SISTERS); PRESLE Y A NN/GE T T Y IM AGES FOR OUT.COM (A NTHONY A LLEN R A MOS); LULU DROPO (A LL OTHERS)

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GALA STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM, ARCHIVES & LIBRARY PRESENTS…

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF HEROES Saturday, February 24 | 6:00-10:00 pm The Venue, Wilton Manors, FL

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

GET TICKETS stonewall-museum.org

Starting + Staying on HIV treatment The best time to start treatment is ASAP after diagnosis Model portrayal

You can live well with HIV

By starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis and staying on treatment as prescribed, you can help control your HIV viral load, which can help you live a longer and healthier life.

Today’s HIV treatments can fit into your schedule, and some can even be started right away. So be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

And remember, you are not alone. There are many people to help support you, alongside your healthcare provider.

Work together with your healthcare provider to find an HIV treatment option that is right for you and start your treatment journey today.

Find treatment strategies and different kinds of support at HelpStopTheVirus.com Model portrayal

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