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New York State Department of Health Launches “Unfiltered” Campaign to Reduce Stigma and Connect Black and Brown Communities with HIV Prevention Resources on World AIDS Day

The New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute announces the launch of Unfiltered–a new docuseries designed to raise awareness about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention for Black and Brown New Yorkers. The series premieres December 1 across various social media platforms and on the campaign’s official website, UnfilteredNY.org.

Unfiltered takes an intimate look into the daily lives of eight influencers, artists, and advocates from across New York state. Through the powerful tradition of oral storytelling, the series aims to normalize conversations around PrEP and empower individuals to take control of their sexual health. The campaign directly addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV on communities of color and the need for culturally relevant prevention strategies. While PrEP is 99 percent effective at preventing HIV, communities of color have historically been underrepresented in the usage of PrEP for HIV prevention, especially Black and Latina women.

The Unfiltered series will release new episodes every two weeks, with each installment showcasing a different influencer’s unique journey. The first episode features Yves Mathieu East, 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.

“In the simplest of terms, PrEP is HIV prevention,” said Yves. “I feel liberation in my sexuality. Being on PreP is an accent to that liberation.”

By pairing digital storytelling with local partnerships, the campaign works to:

• Normalize conversations around PrEP and HIV prevention in communities of color
• Challenge stigma with truth, visibility and representation
• Increase awareness of the benefits of PrEP for HIV prevention
• Inspire communities of color to access HIV prevention services

The campaign will feature the following influencers:

Yves Mathieu East (Artist & Activist) Insta: @the_yvesdropper TikTok: @the_yvesdropper Jade Verette (Chef & Podcaster) Insta: @jadeofalljades Leo Herrera (Writer, Artist & Activist) Insta:@herreraimages Mila Jam (Pop Artist & Activist) Insta: @themilajam

Boy Radio (Musician, Artist & Actor) Insta: @boy.radio Sydnee Washington (Comedian) Insta: @justsydbw Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez (Community Worker, Accessibility Activist & Artist) Insta:@gabrielocasiocortez TikTok: @gabrielocasiocortez Raquel Willis (Author & Activist) Insta: @raquel_willis

Community partners, healthcare providers, equity and social justice initiatives, HIV advocacy organizations, local and social media influencers, community leaders and media are invited to join the campaign by resharing content, hosting conversations, and distributing materials in clinics, campuses, public spaces and online. To learn more, visit UnfilteredNY.org, check out our hashtag of #UnfilteredNY, and follow the campaign social on:

• Instagram: @NYSDOH
• Facebook: @NYSDOH
• X: @healthnygov
• LinkedIn: @NYSDOH
• YouTube: @NYSDOH

Unfiltered is supported by New York state and aligns with their ongoing commitment to ending the HIV epidemic through equity, access and innovation. Watch the Unfiltered series promo here: https://youtu.be/QFuTOXMA6-E?si=iyY4X7iXx8wRnBwj

Media inquiries should be directed to press@health.ny.gov.

Social Media Assets and Posters

To download campaign assets, click here.