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
It's the bare minimum.
February 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM
It's the bare minimum.
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.
Instead of watching, I'm doing what I can to stop such things from happening again.
I'll keep doing them until that future becomes our present.
I'll keep doing them until that future becomes our present.
January 25, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Instead of watching, I'm doing what I can to stop such things from happening again.
I'll keep doing them until that future becomes our present.
I'll keep doing them until that future becomes our present.
If you choose to watch this latest execution, please have a recovery system in place. Though our society has become desensitized to violence, we must never fall into depraved complacency; become so overwhelmed by the visuals that we think watching is enough.
January 25, 2026 at 8:04 PM
If you choose to watch this latest execution, please have a recovery system in place. Though our society has become desensitized to violence, we must never fall into depraved complacency; become so overwhelmed by the visuals that we think watching is enough.
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!
Ugh. So upsetting to hear. This has been a problem for many cast recordings in recent years. They don't sound as good as they used to. I won't publicly name some of those cast recordings out of respect for the artists.
January 10, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Ugh. So upsetting to hear. This has been a problem for many cast recordings in recent years. They don't sound as good as they used to. I won't publicly name some of those cast recordings out of respect for the artists.
Will U.S. citizens wake up and realize that this is part of a ploy to distract from rising health care cost and loss of affordability and quality of life? Or will they be swept up in jingoism?
January 3, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Will U.S. citizens wake up and realize that this is part of a ploy to distract from rising health care cost and loss of affordability and quality of life? Or will they be swept up in jingoism?
Attacks on North African countries caused millions of refugees to flee to Europe. What does this president and his administration think will happen in the wake of this attack?
January 3, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Attacks on North African countries caused millions of refugees to flee to Europe. What does this president and his administration think will happen in the wake of this attack?
The resultant chaos that will come from Trump's acts, which he deployed without approval from Congress, will reverberate across Latin America for years to come. And it will eventually find its way back home, here.
January 3, 2026 at 3:57 PM
The resultant chaos that will come from Trump's acts, which he deployed without approval from Congress, will reverberate across Latin America for years to come. And it will eventually find its way back home, here.
Now the current president has declared a war on drugs through illegal strikes on Venezuela and kidnapping of its president even though he just released former president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and conspiracy.
January 3, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Now the current president has declared a war on drugs through illegal strikes on Venezuela and kidnapping of its president even though he just released former president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and conspiracy.
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.
Fortunately, since the IAS ushered in this change, numerous other health organizations have transformed their language guidelines as well. As the current US president's attacks on health infrastructure reveal, our work is not over and must remain constant.
Let's fill 2026 with even greater change.
Let's fill 2026 with even greater change.
January 1, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Fortunately, since the IAS ushered in this change, numerous other health organizations have transformed their language guidelines as well. As the current US president's attacks on health infrastructure reveal, our work is not over and must remain constant.
Let's fill 2026 with even greater change.
Let's fill 2026 with even greater change.
Anyone who walks around referring to people as "infected" is establishing a culture of abuse; of establishing one group as lesser. As a person living with HIV who has been harmed by these attitudes and resultant behaviors, I continue to rise up and say, "No. I will have better."
January 1, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Anyone who walks around referring to people as "infected" is establishing a culture of abuse; of establishing one group as lesser. As a person living with HIV who has been harmed by these attitudes and resultant behaviors, I continue to rise up and say, "No. I will have better."
Thank you to the community of people living with HIV for never giving up on our right to determine how we are called.
This is about more than semantics. How we speak about people reveals what we think about them & how we treat them. These actions serve as the basis of one's culture.
This is about more than semantics. How we speak about people reveals what we think about them & how we treat them. These actions serve as the basis of one's culture.
January 1, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Thank you to the community of people living with HIV for never giving up on our right to determine how we are called.
This is about more than semantics. How we speak about people reveals what we think about them & how we treat them. These actions serve as the basis of one's culture.
This is about more than semantics. How we speak about people reveals what we think about them & how we treat them. These actions serve as the basis of one's culture.
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.
If you'd like to learn more about your options, read this article and speak to your medical team:
www.thebody.com/hiv/hiv-medi...
www.thebody.com/hiv/hiv-medi...
HIV Treatment Cost: What to Do If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Medications
To help you prepare for possible worst-case scenarios, an HIV treatment-access expert provides some answers.
www.thebody.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
If you'd like to learn more about your options, read this article and speak to your medical team:
www.thebody.com/hiv/hiv-medi...
www.thebody.com/hiv/hiv-medi...
Even if you can't afford stable housing or insurance, this is one way that we can guarantee that you'll live to win the next battle.
I'm in the process of switching to a generic. This way, I can pay for something that will keep me alive w/o relying on pharma programs, the government, or charity.
I'm in the process of switching to a generic. This way, I can pay for something that will keep me alive w/o relying on pharma programs, the government, or charity.
December 24, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Even if you can't afford stable housing or insurance, this is one way that we can guarantee that you'll live to win the next battle.
I'm in the process of switching to a generic. This way, I can pay for something that will keep me alive w/o relying on pharma programs, the government, or charity.
I'm in the process of switching to a generic. This way, I can pay for something that will keep me alive w/o relying on pharma programs, the government, or charity.
In January, I worked with Tim Murphy on a piece that looked at what we can do if our insurance options disappear.
Switching to a generic may be the last thing anyone wants to do. But for now, our job is to survive.
Switching to a generic may be the last thing anyone wants to do. But for now, our job is to survive.
December 24, 2025 at 9:37 PM
In January, I worked with Tim Murphy on a piece that looked at what we can do if our insurance options disappear.
Switching to a generic may be the last thing anyone wants to do. But for now, our job is to survive.
Switching to a generic may be the last thing anyone wants to do. But for now, our job is to survive.
We may see a return to waiting lists for housing, medications, & health insurance. While I can't do anything about housing or insurance, I'd like to assure you that when it comes to your HIV medications, if you can no longer afford them, you can find an affordable set of generics to replace them.
December 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
We may see a return to waiting lists for housing, medications, & health insurance. While I can't do anything about housing or insurance, I'd like to assure you that when it comes to your HIV medications, if you can no longer afford them, you can find an affordable set of generics to replace them.
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.
During my teaching career, many of my peers told me, "I love bragging about having a Black man on staff." I wish those same peers would have taken a moment to step back and say, "How can I support you so we don't lose you?"
If they had, I imagine we'd have many more Black male teachers.
If they had, I imagine we'd have many more Black male teachers.
December 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
During my teaching career, many of my peers told me, "I love bragging about having a Black man on staff." I wish those same peers would have taken a moment to step back and say, "How can I support you so we don't lose you?"
If they had, I imagine we'd have many more Black male teachers.
If they had, I imagine we'd have many more Black male teachers.