MEET THE INFLUENCERS

Each of our influencers bring a unique perspective to the conversation about PrEP and sexual health. From advocates and artists to educators and community leaders, they represent the diversity and strength of Black and Brown communities in New York. Learn more about their journeys and connect with them on social media below.

Yves smiling at the camera

Yves Mathieu East, Artist & Activist

Yves Mathieu East is a Bushwick-based artist and activist, whose work is rooted in building community and advocating for Black and queer youth. Through his powerful story of achieving sexual liberation and sobriety, Yves uses his voice to champion the power of connection as a form of self-care. He is a passionate volunteer who believes in creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Follow Yves’ journey as he inspires others to live authentically and advocate for their communities.

As Seen On

Check out Animal Care Centers of NYC – one of Yves’ favorite spots

SM Handle

Insta: @the_yvesdropper

TikTok: @the_yvesdropper

Jade smiling

Jade Verette, Chef & Podcaster

Jade is the Brooklyn-based Season 2 host of The Black Kitchen Initiative and podcast host of Getting Grown. Platforming Black joy, growth, and realness, Jade encourages communication with partners around sexual health and reminds us that although Black women are disproportionately diagnosed with HIV in New York, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV.

As Seen On

Check out Jade and XD’s podcast here.

SM Handle

Insta: @jadeofalljades

Leo writing

Leo Herrera, Writer, Artist & Activist

Leo is a NYC-based writer, artist, and activist known for blending queer history, speculative storytelling, and visual art to reimagine the future of LGBTQ+ communities. Written with poetry, humor, and history, his new work,Cruising, is an intimate guide to sex in real life. Leo’s activism centers around reducing PrEP stigma because of cultural barriers in communities of color.

As Seen On

Check out the book store Leo visits here.

SM Handle

Insta:@herreraimages

mila headshot

Mila Jam, Pop Artist & Activist

Mila Jam is a NYC-based pop singer and leading activist with Out Leadership. Known for her powerful vocals and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Mila encourages folks to be leaders in their communities to advocate for PrEP access.

As Seen On

Check out Mila's song here.

SM Handle

Insta: @themilajam

boy radio headshot

Boy Radio, Musician, Artist & Actor

Boy Radio is a Brooklyn-based musician, artist, and actor known for his genre-blending sound, electric presence, and expression of queer identity. With influences ranging from pop to electro-soul, his work challenges norms and celebrates individuality, freedom, and self-love. Boy Radio channels his awareness of sexual health through his recent album HIMBOISM. He advocates for PrEP as a routine part of his physical wellness and dating life.

As Seen On

Check out Hush Night Club here.

SM Handle

Insta: @boy.radio

sydnee headshot

Sydnee Washington, Comedian

Sydnee is a Brooklyn-based comedian known for her sharp wit, unapologetic storytelling, and magnetic stage presence. A rising voice in comedy, she’s earned acclaim for her stand-up, podcasting, and bold takes on identity, dating, and navigating life as a queer Black woman. She emphasizes that PrEP is just one more way Black cisgender women can normalize being proactive in their sexual health wellness.

As Seen On

Check out the comedy club where Sydnee performs here.

SM Handle

Insta: @justsydbw

gabriel headshot

Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez, Community Worker, Accessibility Activist & Artist

Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez is a NYC-based community worker, accessibility activist, and artist committed to uplifting the voices of the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities. Through his creative work and public service, he champions equity, visibility, and inclusion. Gabriel advocates for a better understanding of PrEP for HIV prevention. He highlights the need for better sexual health messaging for communities with special needs and works to close the gap in accessible health education for all people.

As Seen On

Check out Brooklyn Art Haus – one of Gabriel’s favorite spots.

SM Handle

Insta:@gabrielocasiocortez

TikTok: @gabrielocasiocortez

raquel headshot

Raquel Willis, Author & Activist

Raquel is an author and activist dedicated to elevating the voices of Black transgender people and advancing gender justice. A powerful storyteller and visionary leader, she is known for her bold advocacy and transformative writing. Raquel focuses her activism on raising awareness and educating folks about PrEP, fostering the use of destigmatizing language around HIV prevention, and ensuring affordable PrEP access through insurance and patient assistance programs.

As Seen On

Check out the Gender Liberation Movement here.

SM Handle

Insta: @raquel_willis