Juan Michael Porter II
@juanmichaelii.bsky.social
Black gay man; living with HIV since 2015.
Podcast host of the International AIDS Society.
Freelance journalist and consultant.
juanmichael.com
#IDsky #Medsky
Podcast host of the International AIDS Society.
Freelance journalist and consultant.
juanmichael.com
#IDsky #Medsky
Pinned
The mural behind me says: Todos Juntos Podemos Para El SIDA.
Together We Can Stop AIDS—but first, we have to end #HIV stigma.
Today is #WorldAIDSDay. I started sharing my HIV status 6 yrs ago to help the world understand that people living w HIV can do anything. Please don't stigmatize us.
#IDsky
Together We Can Stop AIDS—but first, we have to end #HIV stigma.
Today is #WorldAIDSDay. I started sharing my HIV status 6 yrs ago to help the world understand that people living w HIV can do anything. Please don't stigmatize us.
#IDsky
Made by me. And the HIV funding fight in Florida is not over. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't bothered to click the links or ask for information about the new definition changes... more on that coming soon.
Our policy and communications teams have developed a fantastic one-page explaining what's going on with HIV funding in Florida and why we're continuing to advocate against Governor DeSantis' chicanery.
Stay tuned: The fight isn't over.
Stay tuned: The fight isn't over.
February 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Made by me. And the HIV funding fight in Florida is not over. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't bothered to click the links or ask for information about the new definition changes... more on that coming soon.
I didn't watch the video of George Floyd's murder.
Nor have I watched the videos depicting Renée Nicole Good & Alex Jeffrey Pretti's executions. The video of Eric Garner's killing still haunts me. And being a Black man, I'm aware that the state will murder you in cold blood & blame you for existing.
Nor have I watched the videos depicting Renée Nicole Good & Alex Jeffrey Pretti's executions. The video of Eric Garner's killing still haunts me. And being a Black man, I'm aware that the state will murder you in cold blood & blame you for existing.
January 25, 2026 at 8:03 PM
I didn't watch the video of George Floyd's murder.
Nor have I watched the videos depicting Renée Nicole Good & Alex Jeffrey Pretti's executions. The video of Eric Garner's killing still haunts me. And being a Black man, I'm aware that the state will murder you in cold blood & blame you for existing.
Nor have I watched the videos depicting Renée Nicole Good & Alex Jeffrey Pretti's executions. The video of Eric Garner's killing still haunts me. And being a Black man, I'm aware that the state will murder you in cold blood & blame you for existing.
This Morning, DHS Agents Beat, Shot, and Killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
Meanwhile, seven Democrats just voted for a bill that will boost ICE funding by $10 billion.
This is what they voted for.
Now Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill to end sanctuary cities. Perhaps they will support him too.
Meanwhile, seven Democrats just voted for a bill that will boost ICE funding by $10 billion.
This is what they voted for.
Now Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill to end sanctuary cities. Perhaps they will support him too.
January 25, 2026 at 2:04 AM
This Morning, DHS Agents Beat, Shot, and Killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
Meanwhile, seven Democrats just voted for a bill that will boost ICE funding by $10 billion.
This is what they voted for.
Now Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill to end sanctuary cities. Perhaps they will support him too.
Meanwhile, seven Democrats just voted for a bill that will boost ICE funding by $10 billion.
This is what they voted for.
Now Lindsey Graham has introduced a bill to end sanctuary cities. Perhaps they will support him too.
#HIV advocacy has worked again!
For FY 2026, Congress just approved:
1. $2.57 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
2. $1.07 billion for HRSA
3. $1.38 billion for Prevention
Source: Bill from the 119th Congress 2D Session for FY 2026.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
For FY 2026, Congress just approved:
1. $2.57 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
2. $1.07 billion for HRSA
3. $1.38 billion for Prevention
Source: Bill from the 119th Congress 2D Session for FY 2026.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
January 20, 2026 at 6:43 PM
#HIV advocacy has worked again!
For FY 2026, Congress just approved:
1. $2.57 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
2. $1.07 billion for HRSA
3. $1.38 billion for Prevention
Source: Bill from the 119th Congress 2D Session for FY 2026.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
For FY 2026, Congress just approved:
1. $2.57 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
2. $1.07 billion for HRSA
3. $1.38 billion for Prevention
Source: Bill from the 119th Congress 2D Session for FY 2026.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
I spent last week in Texas working on a new project with Evany Turk and Marnina; the powerhouse co-executive directors of @pwnusa.bsky.social.
I can't wait to share what we're cooking up for the #HIV community!
I can't wait to share what we're cooking up for the #HIV community!
January 16, 2026 at 2:59 PM
I spent last week in Texas working on a new project with Evany Turk and Marnina; the powerhouse co-executive directors of @pwnusa.bsky.social.
I can't wait to share what we're cooking up for the #HIV community!
I can't wait to share what we're cooking up for the #HIV community!
Nixon used the "War on Drugs" to attack and criminalize Black people.
eji.org/news/nixon-w...
The resultant consequence of over-policing Black people has had horrific consequences on the health and financial outcome of our community which continue even today.
eji.org/news/nixon-w...
The resultant consequence of over-policing Black people has had horrific consequences on the health and financial outcome of our community which continue even today.
Nixon Adviser Admits War on Drugs Was Designed to Criminalize Black People
eji.org
January 3, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Nixon used the "War on Drugs" to attack and criminalize Black people.
eji.org/news/nixon-w...
The resultant consequence of over-policing Black people has had horrific consequences on the health and financial outcome of our community which continue even today.
eji.org/news/nixon-w...
The resultant consequence of over-policing Black people has had horrific consequences on the health and financial outcome of our community which continue even today.
I'm very proud to have been part of the movement that helped the @iasociety.bsky.social implement these changes. Thank you @drlaurajwaters.bsky.social for having been an incredible partner in demanding better. Thank you Bijan Farnoudi for having listened and opened the door.
🥳 New year, more inclusive words. 🗣️
In 2026, let’s commit to using person-first language in the #HIV response. The words we choose shape attitudes, policies and care – and they matter.
👉 Learn more and join us as we #RethinkRebuildRise in words and deeds: zurl.co/exJLi
In 2026, let’s commit to using person-first language in the #HIV response. The words we choose shape attitudes, policies and care – and they matter.
👉 Learn more and join us as we #RethinkRebuildRise in words and deeds: zurl.co/exJLi
January 1, 2026 at 7:12 PM
I'm very proud to have been part of the movement that helped the @iasociety.bsky.social implement these changes. Thank you @drlaurajwaters.bsky.social for having been an incredible partner in demanding better. Thank you Bijan Farnoudi for having listened and opened the door.
Same:
All I want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for my people.
All I want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for my people.
We don't ask for money. We don't ask for fame, praise, or material goods.
All we want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for our people.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
All we want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for our people.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Same:
All I want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for my people.
All I want for Christmas is affordable HIV meds for my people.
To everyone living with HIV and anyone who loves our community:
Having reported on HIV for the past 6 years, I saw many of the challenges we are facing coming from far away and devoted myself to the one thing I could do to inform and empower our community.
Having reported on HIV for the past 6 years, I saw many of the challenges we are facing coming from far away and devoted myself to the one thing I could do to inform and empower our community.
December 24, 2025 at 9:35 PM
To everyone living with HIV and anyone who loves our community:
Having reported on HIV for the past 6 years, I saw many of the challenges we are facing coming from far away and devoted myself to the one thing I could do to inform and empower our community.
Having reported on HIV for the past 6 years, I saw many of the challenges we are facing coming from far away and devoted myself to the one thing I could do to inform and empower our community.
*I retired from teaching last week. The occasion has sent me down memory lane:
During my time as a K-5 grade school teacher, it was intimated that I should use my height and size to dominate my students. I refused. I thought speaking down to children was cruel and ineffective.
During my time as a K-5 grade school teacher, it was intimated that I should use my height and size to dominate my students. I refused. I thought speaking down to children was cruel and ineffective.
December 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
*I retired from teaching last week. The occasion has sent me down memory lane:
During my time as a K-5 grade school teacher, it was intimated that I should use my height and size to dominate my students. I refused. I thought speaking down to children was cruel and ineffective.
During my time as a K-5 grade school teacher, it was intimated that I should use my height and size to dominate my students. I refused. I thought speaking down to children was cruel and ineffective.
Parts of Zach Dyer's reporting here are well done. I take issue w this subsection:
1. Do your homework to learn if PrEP is right for you
PrEP is right for any person who has sex. Point blank period. Even if you are in what you think is a monogamous relationship.
1. Do your homework to learn if PrEP is right for you
PrEP is right for any person who has sex. Point blank period. Even if you are in what you think is a monogamous relationship.
A daily preventive pill can be invaluable for people at risk for HIV. But some doctors don't know much about prescribing them. And billing headaches are common. Here's how to overcome those hurdles. n.pr/49mT6i6
Some patients face hurdles getting HIV prevention drugs. Here's what to know
A daily preventive pill can be invaluable for people at risk for HIV. But some doctors don't know much about prescribing them. And billing headaches are common. Here's how to overcome those hurdles.
n.pr
December 22, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Parts of Zach Dyer's reporting here are well done. I take issue w this subsection:
1. Do your homework to learn if PrEP is right for you
PrEP is right for any person who has sex. Point blank period. Even if you are in what you think is a monogamous relationship.
1. Do your homework to learn if PrEP is right for you
PrEP is right for any person who has sex. Point blank period. Even if you are in what you think is a monogamous relationship.
Reposted by Juan Michael Porter II
TAG is proud to publish a new report today that provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the global supply chains of two key adjuvants used in several of the world’s most important vaccines. Read and download the report here: www.treatmentactiongroup.org/publication/...
December 15, 2025 at 2:04 PM
TAG is proud to publish a new report today that provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the global supply chains of two key adjuvants used in several of the world’s most important vaccines. Read and download the report here: www.treatmentactiongroup.org/publication/...
Reposted by Juan Michael Porter II
The @plhivcaucus.bsky.social is pleased to announce newly elected and appointed officers:
Shayla Knighton-Black, MPH, Christian Felix Castro, MA, Venita Ray, JD, and Ronald Johnson.
Learn more in our latest video:
Shayla Knighton-Black, MPH, Christian Felix Castro, MA, Venita Ray, JD, and Ronald Johnson.
Learn more in our latest video:
December 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM
The @plhivcaucus.bsky.social is pleased to announce newly elected and appointed officers:
Shayla Knighton-Black, MPH, Christian Felix Castro, MA, Venita Ray, JD, and Ronald Johnson.
Learn more in our latest video:
Shayla Knighton-Black, MPH, Christian Felix Castro, MA, Venita Ray, JD, and Ronald Johnson.
Learn more in our latest video:
Reposted by Juan Michael Porter II
It's Human Rights Day.
People living with HIV have a right to treatment, housing, & healthcare.
People with HIV have a right to live free of stigma.
Join the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social in creating a world where the rights of people living with HIV are guaranteed.
People living with HIV have a right to treatment, housing, & healthcare.
People with HIV have a right to live free of stigma.
Join the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social in creating a world where the rights of people living with HIV are guaranteed.
December 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
It's Human Rights Day.
People living with HIV have a right to treatment, housing, & healthcare.
People with HIV have a right to live free of stigma.
Join the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social in creating a world where the rights of people living with HIV are guaranteed.
People living with HIV have a right to treatment, housing, & healthcare.
People with HIV have a right to live free of stigma.
Join the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social in creating a world where the rights of people living with HIV are guaranteed.
I like it when people ask questions that help us clarify our why.
Consent is essential. Speaking on behalf of others w/o first consulting numerous community stakeholders is a violation.
It's reeks of cisgender men making decisions about vaginal health, knowing they've not consulted affected folks.
Consent is essential. Speaking on behalf of others w/o first consulting numerous community stakeholders is a violation.
It's reeks of cisgender men making decisions about vaginal health, knowing they've not consulted affected folks.
Q: Why doesn't the U.S. PLHIV Caucus speak on behalf of silent community members?
A: Because we respect consent and ardently follow the principle of "Nothing about us without us."
A: Because we respect consent and ardently follow the principle of "Nothing about us without us."
December 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
I like it when people ask questions that help us clarify our why.
Consent is essential. Speaking on behalf of others w/o first consulting numerous community stakeholders is a violation.
It's reeks of cisgender men making decisions about vaginal health, knowing they've not consulted affected folks.
Consent is essential. Speaking on behalf of others w/o first consulting numerous community stakeholders is a violation.
It's reeks of cisgender men making decisions about vaginal health, knowing they've not consulted affected folks.
Traveling while living w HIV can feel daunting.
But it doesn't have to be when you're prepared in advance & know what to expect. I spend half of each year traveling around the world & spoke to @travelnoire.bsky.social about how I prepare.
travelnoire.com/hiv-positive...
But it doesn't have to be when you're prepared in advance & know what to expect. I spend half of each year traveling around the world & spoke to @travelnoire.bsky.social about how I prepare.
travelnoire.com/hiv-positive...
December 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Traveling while living w HIV can feel daunting.
But it doesn't have to be when you're prepared in advance & know what to expect. I spend half of each year traveling around the world & spoke to @travelnoire.bsky.social about how I prepare.
travelnoire.com/hiv-positive...
But it doesn't have to be when you're prepared in advance & know what to expect. I spend half of each year traveling around the world & spoke to @travelnoire.bsky.social about how I prepare.
travelnoire.com/hiv-positive...
"We don't need permission to keep honoring World AIDS Day.
We don't need permission to fight.
And we don't need permission to LIVE."
-Kamaria Laffrey
Steering Committee; U.S. PLHIV Caucus
Co-Executive Director; The Sero Project
We don't need permission to fight.
And we don't need permission to LIVE."
-Kamaria Laffrey
Steering Committee; U.S. PLHIV Caucus
Co-Executive Director; The Sero Project
December 1, 2025 at 8:11 PM
"We don't need permission to keep honoring World AIDS Day.
We don't need permission to fight.
And we don't need permission to LIVE."
-Kamaria Laffrey
Steering Committee; U.S. PLHIV Caucus
Co-Executive Director; The Sero Project
We don't need permission to fight.
And we don't need permission to LIVE."
-Kamaria Laffrey
Steering Committee; U.S. PLHIV Caucus
Co-Executive Director; The Sero Project
World AIDS Day is tomorrow. Some of you aren't living with HIV but are speaking on panels that don't feature any people living with HIV. Some of you are speaking on panels that center your experience instead of the very community this day was established to celebrate.
November 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
World AIDS Day is tomorrow. Some of you aren't living with HIV but are speaking on panels that don't feature any people living with HIV. Some of you are speaking on panels that center your experience instead of the very community this day was established to celebrate.
I had an incredible time in London at Red Ribbon Living Well's World AIDS Day presentation. Thank you @susancolehaley.bsky.social for inviting me to speak on behalf of the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social.
The combo of scientific & community presentations were curated in perfect conversation w each other.
The combo of scientific & community presentations were curated in perfect conversation w each other.
November 29, 2025 at 10:07 PM
I had an incredible time in London at Red Ribbon Living Well's World AIDS Day presentation. Thank you @susancolehaley.bsky.social for inviting me to speak on behalf of the @plhivcaucus.bsky.social.
The combo of scientific & community presentations were curated in perfect conversation w each other.
The combo of scientific & community presentations were curated in perfect conversation w each other.
"The only people who the HIV Caucus disavows are those who act with hate. If you must participate in Black Friday sales, please shop with companies that act with love.
If they want our money, force them to show that they deserve it."
-Juan Michael Porter II
@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
If they want our money, force them to show that they deserve it."
-Juan Michael Porter II
@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
"The only people who the HIV Caucus disavows are those who act with hate. If you must participate in Black Friday sales, please shop with companies that act with love.
If they want our money, force them to show that they deserve it."
-Juan Michael Porter II
@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
If they want our money, force them to show that they deserve it."
-Juan Michael Porter II
@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
Blessed Thanksgiving,
I'm thankful to everyone
who's fought for a world where
HIV is no longer a death sentence.
Let's continue to fight in their names.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
PS: I'm lucky to serve as the HIV Caucus' communications officer and to create these posts.
I'm thankful to everyone
who's fought for a world where
HIV is no longer a death sentence.
Let's continue to fight in their names.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
PS: I'm lucky to serve as the HIV Caucus' communications officer and to create these posts.
November 27, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Blessed Thanksgiving,
I'm thankful to everyone
who's fought for a world where
HIV is no longer a death sentence.
Let's continue to fight in their names.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
PS: I'm lucky to serve as the HIV Caucus' communications officer and to create these posts.
I'm thankful to everyone
who's fought for a world where
HIV is no longer a death sentence.
Let's continue to fight in their names.
-@plhivcaucus.bsky.social
PS: I'm lucky to serve as the HIV Caucus' communications officer and to create these posts.
The Trump administration is refusing to commemorate World AIDS Day this year. Doing so apes the Reagan administration ― which ignored and botched the AIDS crisis, dooming hundreds of thousands to slow, agonizing deaths. Is this a declaration of intent to return to those times?
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Trump administration is refusing to commemorate World AIDS Day this year. Doing so apes the Reagan administration ― which ignored and botched the AIDS crisis, dooming hundreds of thousands to slow, agonizing deaths. Is this a declaration of intent to return to those times?
Reposted by Juan Michael Porter II
🗓️ Monday, Dec 1, 2025 @ 9 a.m. ET 🗓️
Join us for a powerful #WorldAIDSDay webinar, "An HIV Doc and an Advocate Reflect on World AIDS Day"
Register here: tinyurl.com/ycxcnc7a
🧵 1/
Join us for a powerful #WorldAIDSDay webinar, "An HIV Doc and an Advocate Reflect on World AIDS Day"
Register here: tinyurl.com/ycxcnc7a
🧵 1/
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
🗓️ Monday, Dec 1, 2025 @ 9 a.m. ET 🗓️
Join us for a powerful #WorldAIDSDay webinar, "An HIV Doc and an Advocate Reflect on World AIDS Day"
Register here: tinyurl.com/ycxcnc7a
🧵 1/
Join us for a powerful #WorldAIDSDay webinar, "An HIV Doc and an Advocate Reflect on World AIDS Day"
Register here: tinyurl.com/ycxcnc7a
🧵 1/
"HIV Is Being Swept Up in the Anti-Woke Agenda"
www.thebody.com/article/hiv-...
I asked the great Mathew Rodriguez to write his 2 and half years ago because every other journalist I spoke to said that I was being alarmist.
www.thebody.com/article/hiv-...
I asked the great Mathew Rodriguez to write his 2 and half years ago because every other journalist I spoke to said that I was being alarmist.
November 26, 2025 at 12:10 AM
"HIV Is Being Swept Up in the Anti-Woke Agenda"
www.thebody.com/article/hiv-...
I asked the great Mathew Rodriguez to write his 2 and half years ago because every other journalist I spoke to said that I was being alarmist.
www.thebody.com/article/hiv-...
I asked the great Mathew Rodriguez to write his 2 and half years ago because every other journalist I spoke to said that I was being alarmist.
Reposted by Juan Michael Porter II
The United States government has ordered its employees not to speak at any events for World AIDS Day or promote them on social media.
I guess they think that if we ignore HIV/AIDS it will just go away.
It didn’t work for Reagan and it’s not going to work now.
I guess they think that if we ignore HIV/AIDS it will just go away.
It didn’t work for Reagan and it’s not going to work now.
1/ ⚠️ Breaking: At CDC, we've been told the US Government will not officially commemorate World AIDS Day this year. No explanation given.
November 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM
The United States government has ordered its employees not to speak at any events for World AIDS Day or promote them on social media.
I guess they think that if we ignore HIV/AIDS it will just go away.
It didn’t work for Reagan and it’s not going to work now.
I guess they think that if we ignore HIV/AIDS it will just go away.
It didn’t work for Reagan and it’s not going to work now.