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.

We are all online more than ever before, and it doesn’t take more than five swipes to run into an ad or a sponsored post. Most brands and marketing agencies are still trying to keep up with changing audiences, except for the few that saw the power behind “influencer marketing” before it went mainstream. 

In 2020 alone, Fashion Nova partnered with nearly 1,200 creators, producing over 5,700 sponsored posts on Instagram, resulting in over $15 million in earned value. Over the past several years, the brand’s collaboration program has grown into a marketing beast, reaching millions and millions of users every day. 

The fashion retail company has continued to expand its partnerships, even with more traditional celebrities. Public figures like Kylie Jenner and Cardi B have driven the brand’s virality and bolstered the clothing’s mainstream appeal. So what makes this marketing strategy more impactful than traditional plays like magazine, TV, and billboard campaigns? It reaches people where they are, wherever they are. 

There are 3 billion users on Instagram alone, 500 million of whom are active daily. Reaching those consumers is vital to any hope that a brand would have at growing in 2026. Fashion Nova’s ability to reach users by empowering trusted messengers like influencers gives them a leg up. If you have followed a creator for years and trust their taste and opinion, you are going to be increasingly likely to support a business they recommend. 

By 2027, US brands are expected to spend over $13 billion on influencer marketing. This is the future, and while brands like Fashion Nova have been doing it for years, others have to play catch-up or get left in the dust. 

About Fashion Nova

Fashion Nova is more than just a brand; they are a global movement. They make fashion fearless, inclusive, and instant. The brand drops over 1,000 new arrivals weekly, ensuring their community is first to trends, never late to the moment, and unapologetically confident in every ‘fit.

The post How “Influencer Marketing” Has Replaced Traditional Ad Campaigns appeared first on LBS.

At this point, there are all kinds of dating apps for all kinds of people. From hookup apps to friend-finding hubs to long-term romantic connection tools, there is something for everyone. As you navigate what app might be best for you, considering how these places encourage sexual health should be at the top of your considerations. Here is what developers are, and are not, doing to protect the sexual health of users. 

What the Mainstream Apps Cover

Apps like Hinge and Bumble fall short on sexual health disclosures. There is no section to provide information around HIV status, sexual health preferences, testing dates, or anything of the sort. 

While Tinder also does not give the option for users to include sexual health information, they have in the past supported sexual health initiatives. In 2016, they launched an STI Testing Center Locator integrated into their app. This gives users the ability to prioritize their sexual health while swiping on Tinder. 

LGBTQIA+ Spaces Leading the Way

Apps more tailored to LGBTQIA+ users have been more consistent in how they approach sexual health. On Grindr, users can include all sorts of information about their sexual health, including their HIV status, their testing dates, and other preferences. Jack’d also allows users to share information about their HIV status, testing dates, and as a company, they have joined campaigns advocating for increased awareness around sexual health. Sniffies also allows users to share information about their personal sexual health. 

The Way Forward

While most dating apps do not give users that ability to be transparent about their sexual health, some apps model inclusive settings. If you are dating and sexually active, getting protected has never been more important. As you swipe, don’t forget to invest in your own preventive journey. MISTR is a telehealth platform that can get you covered by PrEP right from your couch. The platform handles everything from conversations with a licensed physician to at-home testing to medication shipped right to your door. It is easy to swipe and lose track of protecting yourself first; that’s why sharing your sexual health journey with partners is so critical, and making sure you are protected comes first.  

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 Dating Apps Approach PrEP, HIV Status, and Sexual Health appeared first on LBS.

The 26th International AIDS Conference took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this week with the theme “Rethink. Rebuild, Rise.” Global health leaders and advocates gathered for a week of sharing research and critical progress around HIV prevention, stigma, and intersectionality. 

The Conference looked to address three key questions. 

• What should change in how we approach the HIV response?
• How can we rebuild systems to put people first?
• What does it mean for all of us to rise together?

Included in the programming were presentations about PrEP, the once-daily HIV prevention pill. Experts unpacked the effectiveness of the medication and how it has changed the game for public health.

UNAIDS also released a special report for the AIDS Conference unpacking how global funding cuts have impacted HIV prevention. 

The report reads: “While the world has turned the tide against HIV, the progress is fragile and the ground beneath our feet is still shifting. The international community has entered a period of profound political and financial upheaval that threatens decades of hard-won gains against HIV.”

The conference drew experts from across the world including speakers like Public Health Leader, Francisco Ruiz, Spain’s Secretary of State of Health, Javier Padilla Bernáldez, and Professor Michel Nussenzweig. 

The research and community at the 2026 AIDS Conference is an amplifier for the continued movement to end the HIV epidemic. 

“We convene, enable, advocate and empower for a world in which HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being,” reads the Conference website. 

If you are interested in getting on PrEP, you can do it right from your home! MISTR is a telehealth company that brings care to you, with licensed physicians and care specialists ready to get you covered. 

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 2026 AIDS Conference Underscores Progress and Prevention appeared first on LBS.

There are plenty of unknowns when starting your HIV prevention journey. What to take, how to get care, what to believe, and everything in between. To help along the way, we put together a cheat sheet for some of the most ridiculous myths about PrEP and preventative care. 

MYTH: PrEP is only meant for gay men. 

PrEP is for EVERYONE. One in five new HIV diagnoses is among women. HIV does not pick and choose, so neither should you when it comes to prevention. Staying safe and protecting your health is not exclusive to a gender or sexuality. 

MYTH: PrEP is expensive, and hard to get. 

It has never been easier to get PrEP. MISTR, a telehealth platform, handles everything from consultations with a licensed physicians to at-home testing to medication delivered right to your door. MISTR works with patient assistance and insurance programs to make sure your PrEP doesn’t cost you a dollar. 

MYTH: PrEP is going to interfere with my other medications. 

PrEP is safe to take with almost all other medications. While you should consult your Doctor with specific questions, the medications that interact with PrEP are limited. 

MYTH: I am not sexually active enough to need PrEP. 

You can contract HIV after a single sexual experience. About 13% of people with HIV don’t know they have it. Getting tested and protected is crucial for everyone. 

MYTH: I don’t have time to get on PrEP. 

Platforms like MISTR make getting covered easier than getting groceries. Everything happens right from your home, and your PrEP lands at your door in discreet packaging exactly when you need it. 

MYTH: You don’t need to use condoms if you are on PrEP.

PrEP ONLY prevents HIV. Other sexually transmitted diseases and infections are still possible while using PrEP. Taking care of your entire sexual health means exploring layers of protections, like condoms and DoxyPEP.

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 Myth-busting PrEP, Answering All Your HIV Prevention Questions appeared first on LBS.

Mistr, the largest provider of free online PrEP serving over 800,000 patients, has expanded its services to provide deeper sexual wellness resources. Today, the company launches an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication called “MISTR Magic.”

“MISTR Magic” combines sildenafil and tadalafil into a single fast-acting dissolvable lozenge. The two prescription medications are designed to work together to deliver lasting results, both for immediate pleasure and for long-term sexual flexibility. The new medication is available online; users can handle everything from consultations with a licensed physician to discreet delivery without leaving their home. The medication also comes at a cost averaging nearly 50% less than other leading online providers, according to MISTR. 

“Sexual health and sexual confidence go hand in hand. You want to know you’ve taken the right steps to protect yourself, and you want to be ready when opportunity knocks,” said Tristan Schukraft, Founder and CEO of MISTR, in a press release shared with lovebscott.com. “MISTR Magic and our other options aren’t a fix; they’re an upgrade.”

Anywhere between 30 and 50 million people in the U.S. experience ED symptoms. MISTR’s expansion into ED treatment will bring the company’s reputation for simple, fast, and accessible care to millions of people who need it. 

MISTR now provides care in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico with free online PrEP, DoxyPEP, STI testing, long-term HIV care, and sexual wellness solutions delivered directly to patients’ doors. The company works directly with insurance and patient assistance programs to make sure people who need care can get it no matter what. 

“We believe sexual healthcare should be stigma-free, sex-positive, and easy to access. Whether it’s PrEP, HIV care, or a little extra confidence, MISTR lets you access it all discreetly online. If you can find a hookup on your phone, you should be able to find sexual healthcare there too,” continued Schukraft. 

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 MISTR Launches a New Era of ED Treatment, MISTR Magic appeared first on LBS.