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National PrEP Day: A Celebration of Love, Health, and HIV Prevention

10/11/2025, 12:50:47 AM

Launch of National PrEP Day

On October 9, 2025, West Hollywood hosted the inaugural National PrEP Day, a celebration aimed at promoting HIV prevention and awareness. The event, held at The Abbey, featured a star-studded lineup including Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, and various drag performers. The celebration was organized by MISTR, a telehealth platform focused on making pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) accessible to all, with a goal of enrolling 10,000 new individuals in PrEP within ten days.

Key Figures and Contributions

Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of MISTR, emphasized the importance of PrEP in combating the HIV epidemic. He stated, “We can end HIV. We have the tools. Being on PrEP is about taking control of your own sexual health—just like the birth control pill was when it came out for women.” Schukraft's vision for National PrEP Day is to destigmatize HIV prevention and make it a topic of open discussion and celebration.

Demi Lovato debuted her new single "Kiss" during the event, promoting a message of love and sexual health. Lovato expressed her support for MISTR, stating, “Everyone’s health care should be accessible and affordable, especially when it comes to life-saving medication like PrEP.”

Dua Lipa also performed at the event, delivering hits such as "New Rules" and "Don’t Start Now." Lipa highlighted the stigma surrounding HIV and the importance of accessible healthcare, saying, “I think it’s an incredible cause—what MISTR is doing to make PrEP accessible for everyone is such an important thing, especially in America.”

The Significance of PrEP

PrEP is a preventive medication that, when taken consistently, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. The campaign surrounding National PrEP Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sexual health and the accessibility of PrEP, particularly for marginalized communities. Schukraft noted that only one in four individuals who could benefit from PrEP are currently receiving it, with significant gaps in access for Black and Latino communities.

Criticism and Opposition

While the event celebrated progress in HIV prevention, there are ongoing concerns regarding access and equity in healthcare. Critics argue that despite the advancements, systemic barriers remain that prevent many from accessing necessary treatments. Schukraft acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and support to ensure that all individuals can benefit from PrEP.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Let’s make out, have fun and be safe with MISTR!” — Demi Lovato, Singer
  • “I think there is a lot of stigma around [HIV and sexually transmitted infections],” — Dua Lipa, Singer
  • “How many parties have you been to that celebrate sexual health? That’s exactly what National PrEP Day is about, taking something that’s often talked about quietly and making it something we celebrate together with pride. Dua understands that better than anyone,” — Tristan Schukraft, CEO of MISTR

Conclusion

National PrEP Day marks a significant step in the fight against HIV, combining advocacy with celebration. The event not only highlighted the importance of sexual health but also showcased the power of community and celebrity influence in promoting public health initiatives. As the campaign continues, the focus remains on making PrEP accessible and reducing the stigma associated with HIV prevention.