Positive? Negative? Everyone has an HIV status but a new campaign reminds us that these are not the only adjectives available to describe ourselves. HIV Equal is a national multimedia campaign created by HIV-positive model Jack Mackenroth — a longtime HIV activist, Project Runway alum, and former HIV Plus cover star — and celebrity photographer Thomas Evans. The campaign strives to encourage HIV testing and eliminate the social stigma against HIV through a social art movement utilizing photo portraits.
The campaign gives the word "status" a more personal spin by allowing participants to label themselves with an adjective that embodies an important aspect of their personality. Thus, people are reminded that who they are as a person is more important than their HIV status. Celebs and other notable public figures have signed on, including Broadway star Nick Adams, Congressman Jim Himes, and AIDS activist Peter Staley, but Evans and Mackenroth both say they hope the campaign will eventually spread to everyday folks. By sharing the portraits on various social media platforms, HIV Equal aims to encourage discussion and change the way people think about HIV testing and status.
Actor and model Eddy Barrena gets naked for the cause.
HIV Equal is supported by Connecticut-based World Health Clinicians and launches on Oct. 26.
Tayda Lebon, professional tattoo artist and rapper.
Drag queen extraordinaire Bianca Del Rio.
Broadway superstar, pop singer, and television actor Billy Porter strikes a pose.
DJ T-Boy, the feisty and fabulous musician, shows off fabulousness.
OCAD, the multi-talented duo of professional dancer and choreographer Olivia Cipolla, and producer, singer, and rapper Arie Dixon, has been stirring up the pot with their gritty sex-heavy song and video for "Muse" and the female body tribute "Too Much." Here they stir it up for HIV stigma busting. Check OCAD out at OCADMusic.com.
The beautiful Donna D'Cruz, a Filipina recording artist and entertainer, strikes a peaceful pose.
Raven O, former "Ringleader of Debauchery" for The Box nightclubs.
Kevin Christiana, head menswear designer for Andrew Charles and American Idol brand Authentic Icon.
Shine the spotlight on Miss Fame, the fiery supermodel vixen.
The famed Nick Adams, Broadway star of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Little Mermaid.
