Full Breakdown
Dua Lipa Headlines National PrEP Day Celebration to Promote HIV Prevention
10/12/2025, 12:21:52 PM
Surprise Performance at The Abbey
On October 9, 2025, Dua Lipa made a surprise appearance at The Abbey in West Hollywood, California, to headline the inaugural National PrEP Day celebration organized by Mistr, a telemedicine company. The event aimed to raise awareness for HIV prevention and encourage 10,000 people to start taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) within ten days. Lipa performed several of her hits, including "New Rules," "Don't Start Now," and "Houdini," captivating a star-studded audience that included Cardi B, Demi Lovato, and Kim Petras.
Background and Context
National PrEP Day is part of a broader initiative to combat HIV transmission in the United States. Mistr offers PrEP free of charge, and its CEO, Tristan Schukraft, emphasized the importance of commitment in utilizing existing tools to end new HIV transmissions. The event was designed to transform the conversation around sexual health, making it a celebratory occasion rather than a stigmatized topic.
Key Figures and Groups
Dua Lipa, a Grammy-winning pop star, has been vocal about her support for LGBTQ+ communities and health advocacy. Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of Mistr, played a crucial role in organizing the event and promoting the message of sexual health empowerment. The event was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen and featured performances by drag icons such as Aquaria, Plastique Tiara, and Symone.
Official Statements & Responses
Lipa expressed her commitment to de-stigmatizing HIV and sexually transmitted infections, stating, “I think there is a lot of stigma around [HIV and sexually transmitted infections]. And I think if we can de-stigmatize what it means to get the right healthcare for HIV… I want to believe that there is hope that it can be completely eradicated.” Schukraft highlighted Lipa's influence, noting, “When she says getting on PrEP is normal and smart, it helps break down the stigma that’s kept people from the care they deserve.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the event received widespread support, some critics argue that celebrity endorsements may not sufficiently address the systemic barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. The effectiveness of awareness campaigns in translating to actual healthcare access remains a point of contention.
What's Next
Following the National PrEP Day celebration, Dua Lipa will continue her Radical Optimism Tour, with upcoming performances scheduled in San Francisco and Seattle before heading to South America. The ongoing campaign by Mistr aims to maintain momentum in promoting PrEP and reducing HIV transmission rates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let's have a party!” — Dua Lipa, Pop Star
- “We can end HIV. We have the tools. Just like the birth control pill revolutionized women’s health, PrEP is doing the same for LGBTQ+ communities and beyond.” — Tristan Schukraft, CEO of Mistr
- “ “I think sex should be fun, and it should be safe.” — Dua Lipa, Pop Star
- “How many parties have you been to that celebrate sexual health?” — Tristan Schukraft, CEO of Mistr
Dua Lipa's performance at The Abbey not only entertained but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sexual health awareness and community support in the fight against HIV.
