Over the past several years MISTR, the telehealth company that provides PrEP and other sexual health services to over 800,000 users, has partnered with dozens of drag artists. These artists have led campaigns that have resulted in countless LGBTQIA+ people getting on PrEP for the first time. Drag continues to be a catalyst for positive change, here are the some of the Queens who have led the movement to end HIV through prevention.

Lushious Massacr

The star of MISTR’s most recent partnership, Lushious Massacr is a drag queen and make-up artist known for her popular podcast, DRAGVESTIGATIONS. Lushious also won a Creative Arts Emmy Award for “Outstanding Makeup For A Variety” in 2022 for her work on the HBO show, “We’re Here.”

Crystal Methyd

In a recent partnership with MISTR, the iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Crystal Methyd is pictured holding a large PrEP pill. The drag artist originally competed on season 12 of Drag Race and then returned for the 11th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, where she was crowned the winner.

Myki Meeks

After winning the 18th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Myki Meeks partnered with MISTR for a video campaign to raise awareness for PrEP. The drag artist from Florida is known for her camp, glamour, and acting abilities.

Kori King

Last December, Kori King partnered with MISTR for The Klaus Clinic, a video series that highlighted HIV prevention tools. King competed on season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is known for her impressions, comedy, and elaborate looks.

All of these campaigns have two things in common. They feature incredibly talented drag artists and they advocate for HIV prevention and sexual health. If you are interested in getting on PrEP or other sexual health care, MISTR has got you covered right from your couch!

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post How Drag Artists are Leading the Fight to End HIV appeared first on LBS.

HIV prevention looks very different than it did a generation ago. Today, people have more tools than ever to protect themselves, from condoms and routine testing to PrEP, a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

While science has moved forward, the way we talk about HIV has not always kept pace.

For many people, the word “HIV” can still carry fear, stigma, or outdated assumptions. HIV prevention is sometimes discussed as though it applies only to certain communities or people with a particular lifestyle. Sexual health is personal, and prevention decisions should be based on individual circumstances, not fear of stereotypes.

PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is one example of how much prevention has evolved. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can greatly reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex. It is available in different forms, and a healthcare professional can help determine which option may be appropriate based on a person’s health and needs. MISTR is a platform that allows users to explore PrEP and other sexual health services without leaving your home!

Just as important is regular testing. Knowing your HIV status, and getting tested for other sexually transmitted infections when appropriate, can make sexual health feel less complicated and more routine. Testing is not an accusation or a judgment about someone’s behavior. It is simply information that can help people make informed decisions about their health.

There is also value in having honest conversations. Talking with a healthcare provider about sexual activity, HIV prevention, or PrEP can feel awkward, particularly if someone has previously felt judged. Finding a provider who approaches sexual health without assumptions can make a meaningful difference.

That shift in attitude matters because prevention works best when people feel comfortable using it. If someone is considering PrEP, for example, the first step does not have to be having all the answers. It can simply be asking a question.

Services such as MISTR aim to make sexual healthcare more accessible and easier to navigate, giving people another way to explore options for HIV prevention and sexual health care.

The tools for preventing HIV have come a long way. Now, the conversation can catch up. Prevention does not need to be complicated, shameful, or reserved for someone else. It can be a normal part of taking care of yourself, and having the information to make choices that feel right for you.

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post HIV Prevention Has Changed. Has the Conversation? appeared first on LBS.

Jack’d is giving queer filmmakers a new place to share their stories. The dating and social networking platform has announced the inaugural Jack’d Film Festival, a new showcase and competition focused on original films by queer creators, particularly work that centers the experiences, stories, and perspectives of queer people of color.

The festival will take place exclusively through the Jack’d app from November 2 through December 3, 2026. Selected films will be available for members to stream, with both short and full-length films eligible for a total of $20,000 in prizes.

Five established voices from queer entertainment will serve as festival judges: TS Madison, Dyllón Burnside, Miss Lawrence, Mike Gauyo and Bobby Ashley. Their backgrounds span film, television, writing, acting, and independent filmmaking, and they will help select the recipient of the $10,000 Grand Jury Award. A second $10,000 prize will go to the Audience Choice Award, which will be determined by verified votes from Jack’d members. Members can vote for up to three films.

For filmmakers, submissions are open through October 21, 2026. The festival is open to filmmakers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, but submitted films must center the experiences, stories or perspectives of queer people of color.

For audiences, watching the festival is free, although viewers will need to download the Jack’d app and create a profile. Films can be streamed through the app and can also be played via Apple TV or Chromecast.

The festival is intended to be more than a collection of screenings. Jack’d says it will also feature filmmaker programming and community voting, giving audiences an opportunity to engage directly with the work and the people behind it.

“Queer filmmakers have always created stories that challenge conventions, expand perspectives, and help people feel seen,” said Tyrus Townsend, Jack’d Film Festival Manager. “The Jack’d Film Festival enables a new crop of filmmakers to bring their stories directly to their audience, and gives audiences an active role in celebrating the filmmakers behind them.”

Winners of both awards will be announced December 4. Additional details about the official film lineup, filmmaker conversations and special programming are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. 

About Jack’d

Jack’d is a GBTQ+ social networking and dating platform connecting over 1M members each month globally. Built around authenticity, inclusivity, and community, Jack’d helps people connect while supporting initiatives that elevate queer voices across culture, storytelling, and community engagement. Jack’d has grown to become the most popular app for queer people of color in the US.

The post Jack’d Launches Inaugural Film Festival Celebrating Queer Stories appeared first on LBS.

Are you taking PrEP for HIV prevention and wondering if a night at the club is going to affect your medication? Or are you someone interested in getting on PrEP but nervous about how it might interact with other drugs? We got your back, with all the answers that will keep the party going and keep you protected. 

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication taken by people who do not have HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring it. PrEP is available as daily pills and long-acting injections. Alcohol and recreational drugs do not directly cancel out the HIV-prevention effects of PrEP, but substance use can create other challenges. 

For most people taking oral PrEP, drinking alcohol does not cause a drug interaction with the medication. The bigger concern is whether drinking makes it harder to take PrEP consistently. Missing doses can reduce protection, particularly when PrEP is being used as a daily pill. Research involving people using alcohol and other substances has found that substance use was not necessarily associated with a lower likelihood of forgetting to take PrEP, although individual experiences vary.

Other recreational drugs, including stimulants such as methamphetamine, do not automatically make PrEP ineffective. However, drug use can affect judgment and sexual decision-making. Studies have found higher rates of sexually transmitted infections among some people who use stimulants, which may reflect increased sexual risk rather than PrEP failing to work. PrEP protects against HIV, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.

People who inject drugs can also use PrEP to reduce their risk of HIV. In this situation, PrEP should be combined with other harm-reduction measures, such as using sterile injection equipment, because PrEP does not prevent hepatitis C or other infections associated with injection drug use.

The key point is that alcohol or recreational drug use is not, by itself, a reason to stop or avoid PrEP. If substance use makes taking medication difficult, or if you take other prescription or non-prescription drugs, it is important to tell your healthcare provider. They can check for specific interactions and help choose a PrEP option that fits your situation.

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post PrEP and Partying: What You Need to Know About Drinking and Drug Use on PrEP appeared first on LBS.

MISTR is launching a major effort to expand access to HIV and Hepatitis C testing, announcing plans to fund two million free tests across the U.S. by the end of 2027.

The telehealth company announced the initiative at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. MISTR says it plans to help one million people receive HIV tests and another one million receive Hepatitis C tests, with the company covering the cost. It is also seeking partnerships with pharmacies, retailers and dating platforms to make testing easier to access.

MISTR is a telehealth provider focused on sexual health and HIV care. The company offers services including HIV prevention and treatment, PrEP, testing and ongoing care through its online healthcare platform. It also provides care for Hepatitis C, aiming to make treatment more convenient for patients.

The new program is intended to go beyond testing. People who test negative for HIV may be connected with free online PrEP through MISTR, while those who test positive can be connected with ongoing medical care. Patients diagnosed with active Hepatitis C can be referred for treatment.

MISTR says the program could also produce significant healthcare savings. The company estimates that treating 10,000 people with active Hepatitis C could result in approximately $658 million in potential lifetime healthcare savings.

“We have the science to prevent HIV, treat HIV and cure Hepatitis C. What we need is a better way to get it to people,” said Tristan Schukraft, MISTR’s founder and CEO.

The company is also proposing a new approach to helping states manage HIV-related healthcare costs. MISTR says eligible people receiving assistance through state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs could potentially transition to long-term care through its platform. According to the company, the model could help patients maintain coverage while reducing costs for participating states.

MISTR estimates the approach could save states hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The actual impact will depend on participation and implementation, but the company says its broader goal is straightforward: make testing easier to access and help more people get connected to treatment when they need it.

The post MISTR Announces Groundbreaking Funding for 2 Million Free HIV and Hepatitis C Tests appeared first on LBS.

Going back to college usually means making a long list of things to do: buying supplies, moving into a dorm or apartment, registering for classes, and trying to get your schedule organized. But there’s one part of back-to-school preparation that often gets overlooked, your sexual health.

For students who are sexually active, heading back to campus can be a good time to learn about PrEP. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication that helps prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, it can reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex by about 99%.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is designed for people who do not have HIV but may be exposed to it. It can be taken as a daily pill or, depending on the medication, as a long-acting injection.

PrEP doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so condoms and regular STI testing can still be important. But when it comes to HIV prevention, PrEP is one of the most effective tools available.

College can bring new relationships, new social circles, and more independence. That makes it a good time to think about what protecting your health looks like for you.

Getting started

You don’t have to wait until you’re on campus to start the process. Talking with a healthcare provider before the semester begins can make things easier once classes get busy.

MISTR is a telehealth platform that handles everything from at-home testing to conversations with a licensed physician to discreet medication delivery. Getting protected has never been faster, easier, or safer. 

What about the cost?

Cost is a common concern, especially for college students. Many insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare cover PrEP, and assistance programs may be available for people who need help paying for medication or related care. MISTR works directly with your insurance and/or assistance programs to guarantee you pay nothing out of pocket for your protection. 

If you’re using a parent’s insurance, you may also want to ask about privacy and how insurance communications work. A healthcare provider or student health center can help you understand your options.

Make a plan before school starts

If you’re considering PrEP, add a sexual health appointment to your back-to-school checklist. Find out where you’ll get your medication, what your insurance covers, and how you’ll keep up with testing and appointments during the semester.

Taking care of your sexual health is simply another part of taking care of yourself. College is about becoming more independent, and that includes making informed decisions about your health.

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post PrEP for Campus: Sexual Health on your Back-to-College Checklist appeared first on LBS.

Earlier this month, TruEvolution, a community-rooted power-building and direct service organization, celebrated the opening of its new TruHealth & Wellness Clinic in Riverside, bringing community leaders, local officials and supporters together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The clinic is open, but patients will have to wait a little longer to receive care. TruEvolution expects to begin seeing patients in person in 2027, with telehealth services planned for the same year.

The organization says offering virtual visits will be especially important for people who have trouble getting to a doctor because of transportation, distance or other barriers.

The clinic will offer a range of services, including primary care, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, HIV and STI care, therapy and help coordinating other services. Patients will also be able to connect with resources related to housing and wellness through TruEvolution’s existing programs.

The clinic will serve people across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with particular attention to communities that have historically faced barriers to health care, including LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, older adults, immigrants and people experiencing homelessness.

For TruEvolution, the opening represents the latest step in a project that has grown out of nearly two decades of advocacy and community work.

“Health is not one-dimensional,” Founder and CEO Gabriel Maldonado said during the grand opening. “When we care for people, we must care for the whole person.”

People interested in receiving care at the clinic can fill out an interest form to be added to the waitlist ahead of the 2027 launch.

The post A New Era of Wellness for the Inland Empire, TruEvolution Opens New Riverside Health Clinic appeared first on LBS.

If you’ve been thinking about starting PrEP but aren’t sure where to begin, MISTR makes the process pretty simple. Instead of having to arrange several in-person appointments, you can start the process online and complete much of your PrEP care from home.

PrEP is medication that helps prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, it is highly effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV. If you think PrEP could be right for you, MISTR is one option for getting connected with a healthcare provider and starting treatment.

Step One

The first step is signing up for a MISTR account online. You’ll provide some basic information and answer questions about your health. The questionnaire only takes a few minutes and gives the medical team the information they need to determine whether PrEP is a good option for you.

Step Two

After completing the questionnaire, you’ll have a private video visit with a licensed healthcare provider. This gives you a chance to talk about your health, ask questions about PrEP and discuss which medication may be right for you.

Step Three

You’ll also need to complete some lab testing before you can receive a prescription. MISTR offers at-home testing, so you may be able to complete your testing without visiting a clinic. You can also choose to have testing done at a local lab. Your testing will include an HIV test and other tests your provider needs to make sure PrEP is safe for you. STI testing can also be part of your care.

Step Four

Once your test results are available, your healthcare provider reviews them along with your health information. If PrEP is appropriate for you, the provider can write a prescription. MISTR works with partner pharmacies that can ship your medication directly to you in discreet packaging.

MISTR also says its PrEP services are available at no cost for eligible patients. This can include your online consultation, lab testing, STI testing and PrEP medication. Coverage and eligibility can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the current details when you sign up.

One important thing to remember is that PrEP only helps prevent HIV. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so regular testing and other forms of protection may still be important.

Overall, signing up for PrEP through MISTR is fairly straightforward. You create an account, complete a health questionnaire, meet with a provider, complete your testing and, if PrEP is right for you, have your medication shipped to your home.

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, Mistr cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post The Easiest Path to PrEP, Getting Started with MISTR appeared first on LBS.

Talking about sexual health with a partner can feel awkward at first. Even when you trust someone, bringing up topics like HIV testing, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or prevention can seem like you are questioning their past or making the relationship too serious too quickly. In reality, these conversations are less about suspicion and more about looking after each other.

A good place to start is by choosing a comfortable, private moment when neither of you feels rushed. You do not have to turn it into a formal conversation. Something as simple as, “When was the last time you were tested?” can open the door. Sharing your own information first can also make the conversation feel more equal and less like an interrogation.

HIV status is another important part of the conversation. If you or your partner knows their HIV status, be open about it without making assumptions or attaching stigma to the result. Someone living with HIV can have a healthy relationship and, when they maintain an undetectable viral load through effective treatment, they do not sexually transmit HIV. If either partner is unsure of their status, getting tested can provide useful information for both people.

It is also worth talking about prevention. Condoms remain an important tool for reducing the risk of HIV and other STIs, but they are not the only option. PrEP is medication taken by people who are HIV-negative to help prevent HIV infection. For people who may have an increased chance of exposure to HIV, PrEP can be another layer of protection. A healthcare professional can help determine whether PrEP is appropriate and explain which option and schedule is suitable. With online platforms like MISTR, getting started with PrEP has never been easier. 

The key is to avoid treating sexual health as a test someone has to pass. Your partner does not owe you a perfect history, and you do not owe them one either. What matters is being honest about what you know, asking questions respectfully, and making decisions together.

Ultimately, communication is part of sexual health. Talking openly about testing, HIV status, PrEP, condoms, and other forms of prevention can make both partners feel more informed and comfortable. It may feel uncomfortable for five minutes, but an honest conversation can build trust that lasts much longer.

About MISTR

MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post “Are you on PrEP?” How to have a Sexual Health Conversation with a New Partner appeared first on LBS.

In 1990, a tabloid called the “Star” published a story identifying Dolly Parton’s chauffeur and assistant as trans. After the very public outing, a newsletter covering trans people published an interview with Parton’s staff member, Jason Pirro. In that interview, Pirro said Parton knew who he was and celebrated him as a member of her team and as a friend. Pirro went on to work for Parton for over 30 years.

This legacy of warmth, acceptance, and solidarity is one that Parton built for a lifetime, not only for Pirro but for every trans and queer person who knew her or saw her. 

In addition to making sure the people around her felt safe and free, Parton also took specific actions to support trans liberation. In 2016, when North Carolina proposed one of the most restrictive anti-trans bills in the country, Parton spoke up. House Bill 2 required transgender people using public agencies, schools, and university restrooms and locker rooms to use facilities matching the sex on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity. In other words, making it impossible for a trans person to use the bathroom safely. Parton joined CNN and commented on the bill, opposing the legislation.  

“I think everybody should be treated with respect,” Parton said. “I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are.”

Parton also contributed to the cultural conversation around trans inclusion. For the 2005 film, “Transamerica,” Parton wrote a song titled “Travelin’ Thru.” The film told the story of a transgender woman who traveled across the country with her son. Parton’s song earned an Academy Award nomination and became one of the first songs about a transgender story to earn mainstream accolades. 

More recently, Parton opposed anti-trans bills in her home state of Tennessee. In 2023, the state legislature pursued bills banning care for transgender minors, Parton responded and doubled down on her defense of all people, especially those under attack. 

“I just want everybody to be treated good,” Parton said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “They cannot help that any more than I can help being Dolly Parton.”

This is not an exhaustive list. Parton was someone who exemplified allyship. To watch one of the most famous people in the world come to the defense of the most vulnerable people in the world is a beautiful thing. Parton lived her life making her empathy and acceptance feel easy, that is the lesson she leaves the world. Being kind is easy, making others feel safe is common sense.

Whether it be by surrounding herself with trans people, or defending trans people against legislative attacks, or supporting more trans stories in mainstream culture, Parton built safe places for trans people in everything she did. Dolly Parton will be remembered for the way she made a place for all people, ensuring that trans and queer joy were at the center of who she was.

The post All the Ways Dolly Parton Made The World a Safer Place for Trans People appeared first on LBS.