The New York State Department of Health, through its AIDS Institute, has launched “Unfiltered,” a docuseries aimed at raising awareness about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among Black and Brown communities in New York. The campaign is available on social media platforms and the official website UnfilteredNY.org.
“Unfiltered” follows eight influencers, artists, and advocates from across the state. The series is intended to encourage open discussions about PrEP and empower individuals to manage their sexual health. It specifically targets the disproportionate rates of HIV in communities of color and seeks to offer culturally relevant prevention strategies.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The ‘Unfiltered’ series centers around honest conversations about HIV prevention in communities of color and the lived experiences of real people who are bravely sharing their personal stories about PrEP for HIV prevention, sexual health and wellness. The campaign aims to foster open dialogue about HIV prevention resources and build community connections focused on awareness and equitable access to preventive health care, bringing us one step closer to ending the epidemic across all communities.”
Recent data shows that in 2024, people of color accounted for nearly 80 percent of new HIV diagnoses in New York State but make up only about one-third of the state’s population. While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission, these communities remain underrepresented among PrEP users. For example, Black and Latina women comprise 86 percent of new female HIV diagnoses but only 32 percent of women prescribed PrEP.
Joseph Kerwin, Director of the AIDS Institute, stated, “This campaign represents a vital step forward in our mission to end the HIV epidemic. By amplifying authentic voices and centering the lived experiences of Black and Brown New Yorkers, we can break down the barriers of stigma and misinformation that too often prevent people from accessing life-saving tools like PrEP. Unfiltered is more than an awareness campaign. It’s a movement to foster open dialogue and ensure health equity for all.”
Episodes will be released every two weeks featuring different influencers’ stories. The first episode spotlights Yves Mathieu East, an artist and activist based in Bushwick who focuses on community building for Black and queer youth.
“In the simplest of terms, PrEP is HIV prevention. I feel liberation in my sexuality. Being on PrEP is an accent to that liberation,” Yves Mathieu East said.
The Department invites healthcare providers, advocacy groups, local leaders, and others to support “Unfiltered” by sharing content or hosting discussions online or within their communities.
For more information about “Unfiltered,” visit UnfilteredNY.org or follow @NYSDOH on various social media channels.
The initiative supports New York’s ongoing commitment to ending the HIV epidemic through increased access, equity-focused programming, and innovation.
