Pre-exposure prophylaxis, better known as PrEP, is the most significant development in HIV prevention. Today, PrEP can dramatically reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, but its history began with a relatively simple idea: could medicines used to treat HIV also be taken by people who do not have HIV to prevent infection?

Researchers began studying whether HIV medicines could prevent infection before exposure. A major step came in 2010, when studies showed that antiretroviral medicines could help prevent HIV. The CAPRISA 004 study in South Africa found that a vaginal gel containing tenofovir reduced the risk of HIV infection among women who used it. That same year, the iPrEx study found that a daily pill containing tenofovir and emtricitabine reduced the risk of HIV among men who have sex with men. The study also showed that taking PrEP consistently was important for it to work well.

These results helped lead to the first approval of PrEP in the United States. In July 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada, a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, for use as PrEP. Truvada had originally been approved as a treatment for HIV in 2004. Its approval for prevention was an important change because it gave people without HIV a medication they could take to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

PrEP options continued to expand. In 2019, the FDA approved Descovy, another daily pill, for PrEP for certain people at risk of getting HIV through sex. In 2021, the FDA approved Apretude, the first long-acting injectable PrEP medication in the United States. It is given as an injection every two months after the initial doses, providing an alternative to taking a daily pill.

PrEP took another major step forward in 2025. The FDA approved Yeztugo, which contains lenacapavir, as a PrEP option. It is given as an injection every six months after an initial oral dose. This gives people another choice for HIV prevention and reduces the need for frequent medication.

The history of PrEP shows how HIV prevention has changed over time. What began as research into using HIV medicines for prevention has developed into several options, including daily pills and long-acting injections. These advances have given people more ways to protect themselves from HIV. If you are interested in starting PrEP, MISTR is an online platform that makes the process simple, fast, and from 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 How PrEP Became the Most Effective Tool for Ending HIV appeared first on LBS.

More people than ever are skipping their traditional doctor’s visits in favor of something more comfortable. Without leaving the couch, you can speak with a licensed physician and get prescribed all kinds of medication for weight loss, sexual health, and more. Telehealth models continue to prove both their reliability and their popularity. 

11% of Americans now take GLP-1 medications for weight loss purposes. More and more of these thousands of users are getting their medications online. 11% of patients get their GLP-1 prescription from an online provider. With the rapid growth in popularity for this medication, telehealth remains a force in bringing care to the people who need it, wherever those people are. 

Sexual health care has also become increasingly inseparable from telehealth. A study out of Emory University shows that one in five PrEP users gets their medication from MISTR, the telehealth platform. MISTR serves over 800,000 patients with sexual health care, including prevention medication like PrEP. 

Telehealth has also expanded toward new frontiers as well. MISTR recently launched MISTR Magic, an erectile dysfunction medication that combines sildenafil and tadalafil into a single fast-acting dissolvable lozenge. 

In 2024, 71.4% of physicians reported using telehealth in their practices, up nearly 50% from 2018. 68% of patients prefer telehealth compared to traditional office visits. It is increasingly clear that patients are drawn toward convenience and accessibility.

Whether it is for weight loss, sexual health, or any number of things, telehealth is becoming the center of so many people’s wellness journeys. As more services move online, communities that need care are sure to have better access to critical resources. 

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 Telehealth Expands Rapidly, More Users Getting GLP-1’s and PrEP Online appeared first on LBS.

This week, California took a big step towards making HIV prevention more accessible than ever. On August 13, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 1023, led by State Senator John Laird. The legislation will expand access to injectable PrEP, the most powerful tool communities have to prevent the spread of HIV. 

SB 1023 will require health plans that already cover injectable PrEP to also reimburse it through their outpatient prescription drug benefit. The legislation will break down financial barriers to care and increase the uptake of injectable PrEP across the state. 

“California has long been a leader in HIV prevention and public health,” said State Senator John Laird. “SB 1023 helps ensure that providers and clinics can continue offering injectable PrEP to the communities that need it most by removing barriers that limit access to care.”

Advocates across the state also support the legislation as a potential catalyst for incredible advances in public health. 

“Injectable PrEP has the potential to transform HIV prevention, but only if people can actually access it,” said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California. “Right now, reimbursement barriers in some insurance plans are forcing small, community-based clinics to front the cost of this medication and wait weeks for payment, putting enormous strain on providers and threatening access for patients who rely on these clinics for care.”

For patients in or out of the state of California, PrEP is available and accessible via telehealth platforms. MISTR is a platform that takes care of everything from home testing to consultations with physicians to medication delivered right to your door. 

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 California Takes a Big Step Toward Ending HIV, SB 1023 appeared first on LBS.

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.