“HIV prevention is not just a medical issue. It’s a social justice issue,” said Jacen Bowman, vice president of Philly Black Pride.
The Trump administration abruptly shut down and cut funding to various programs recently — restricting global access to HIV medications and care in areas of the world that rely on U.S. partnerships. Experts have noted that HIV rates will likely rise with a tenfold increase in HIV-related deaths.
HIV-related information was removed from the CDC’s website following an executive order to scrub content related to gender identity. Although staffers hope to restore information pertaining to HIV/AIDS in a way that complies with orders to eliminate language about gender identity, it is unclear when or if that will occur. As of now, access to this information and other LGBTQ+ topics continues to remain under threat.
“With a lot of the current federal administration rollback of resources and access to care, it’s important we still let our communities know that we have resources in place for them to utilize,” Bowman underlined as he described a new HIV prevention and sexual health initiative called Philly S.A.F.E.
“It’s more than just a health campaign,” said Bowman, explaining that the initiative centers Black and Black, queer voices — aiming to represent the community’s lived experiences and realities. “It’s about empowerment, breaking stigma, and making prevention resources feel personal and community-driven rather than clinical or detached.”
In 2022, Black people made up 58.6% of new HIV diagnoses in Philadelphia and rates were highest among men who have sex with men. Black men who have sex with men also accounted for the highest rate of late diagnoses. Still, less than half of those most at-risk for transmission had a doctor who discussed PrEP with them during the prior year.
S.A.F.E. — an acronym that means “Stay Aware, Fearless, and Empowered” — will feature events that will incorporate music, art and spoken-word performances to frame HIV prevention and sexual health through an uplifting perspective. Those events, Bowman noted, will be integrated into Black cultural touchpoints — barbershops and beauty salons, nightlife spaces and faith-based communities.
The initiative also incorporates social media storytelling, partners with influencers who are active within the community, and promotes highly visible advertisements — including spreads at bus shelters and PSAs. This approach, Bowman said, will “directly speak to our people in the spaces they occupy.”
Philly S.A.F.E. includes personal narratives shared by peers and familiar leaders to connect with audiences in a way that feels comfortable and approachable. Bowman also hopes that the audiences who need to hear this message — including younger people, who are often left out of these conversations — see themselves reflected in the campaign.
“This campaign centers authenticity over aesthetics,” he underlined. “When the PSA drops, you will be able to see four men speak about sexual behaviors and methods they use to practice risk reduction. Although the PSA is scripted, the scenarios are real. A lot of friends in our community have conversations like this about their sexual activities and we wanted to center those conversations and experiences in a unique way.”
Bowman explained that the people featured in the ads and sharing information within the campaign are people who actually use PrEP — including someone who is living with HIV who is married to someone who is negative. He underlined that this is an initiative that shows real people with real experiences.
“Our stories matter,” he emphasized.
The Philly S.A.F.E. initiative will culminate in a party in May that will double as the opening reception of the Philly Black Pride 2025 celebration. Bowman said the event will honor “Black LGBTQ+ excellence, resilience and community power” while “setting the tone for a year of empowerment, education and collective action.”
Attendees will be offered HIV testing, PrEP resources and linkages to care.
A live recording of UnPacking with Eric & Kai — a Black-centered talk radio program on 96.1 FM — will take place during the event. UnPacking — which aims to bridge the gap between inspiration, information and entertainment — is a show that explores mental health, self-care, politics, LGBTQ+ issues, social justice and other cultural conversations.
“Media has the power to reshape narratives, break down stigma, and amplify critical voices,” said Malachi Stewart — co-host of UnPacking with Eric & Kai. “We are excited to launch Philly
S.A.F.E. and push this vital dialogue forward.”
Bowman, who has been a guest on the show before, said he’s excited to return to share more about this movement and what it means for the community. He believes the campaign will make a tangible difference.
“The work doesn’t stop at awareness,” emphasized Bowman. “We’re committed to creating real change in how Black LGBTQ+ people access and engage with health resources.”
