High Profile Advocates Get Real About Sex and Encourage Others to be 'Healthysexual' by Having Honest Conversations About HIV Prevention and Sexual Health

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- What does it mean to be Healthysexual? According to actor and singer Julian Walker it means, "being free to express yourself sexually and being comfortable talking about sex." That's why he is using his voice as a Black gay man to inspire and speak up on behalf of those who may not feel comfortable talking about their identities and sexual health— and Julian isn't alone. He is joined by Carmen Carrera, trans model and advocate, and Daniel Franzese, gay actor and comedian, who are also sharing their perspectives on healthier sex and the importance of preventing HIV and other STIs.

By sharing their unique experiences and highlighting the sex-positive and inclusive information available at Healthysexuals.com, Julian, Carmen and Daniel hope to encourage those who may be struggling with their sexuality or societal stigma. They're doing this as part of the MyHealthysexualStory video series, which can be found on the Healthysexual YouTube page.

• Julian Walker, star of the film Blackbird, singer and poet, talks about the barriers Black gay men living in the South often experience when trying to access sexual health services and information.
• Carmen Carrera, model and advocate, shares how important it is that sexual health information be made available to trans women of color and why she is committed to helping the community.
• Daniel Franzese, actor and comedian, highlights the struggle a close friend experienced after receiving a HIV diagnosis and how that experience galvanized his interest in HIV treatment and prevention.

Additionally, the support of the Southern AIDS Coalition, Latinos Salud, Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative and TransLatin@ Coalition will help drive awareness of why it's important to be Healthysexual with a focus on inspiring those who may be at higher lifetime risk for HIV, including transgender women, Black and Latino men who have sex with men, and those living in the South. In addition to promoting the MyHealthysexualStory video series, the groups will host live events and share information with their communities through newsletters and on social media.

"The stigma surrounding HIV has complicated efforts to put an end to its spread. We know that treatment and prevention tools only work when those whose lives place them at elevated risk fully understand their options and feel comfortable seeking care," said Douglas M. Brooks, Senior Director for Community Engagement at Gilead. "To bring this epidemic to an end, we have to change the discussion surrounding HIV. We're excited to partner with several incredible community organizations and powerful advocates who will help lessen the stigma of HIV."

Since launching in 2017, the Healthysexual campaign has helped to generate meaningful conversations among individuals at risk for HIV and their healthcare providers about healthy sexual behaviors, including the importance of getting tested, practicing safer sex and understanding HIV prevention options. Healthysexual helps individuals and communities access information to help them make informed decisions about their sexual health.

To learn more about HIV and STI prevention options, talk to a healthcare provider. Also, visit www.healthysexuals.com for more on what it means to be Healthysexual.

About the Healthysexual campaign
Healthysexual was created to help educate and inspire people to take action through healthier sexual behaviors. It's meant to reach people where they are and in the way they communicate. Healthysexual has partnered with leading advocacy organizations from around the country and celebrities who resonate with some of the communities most affected by elevated rates of HIV and other STIs. For more information about Healthysexual, please visit: www.healthysexuals.com

Healthysexual is sponsored by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Southern AIDS Coalition: www.southernaidscoalition.org
Latinos Salud: www.latinossalud.org
Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative: www.mobi-nyc.com
TransLatin@ Coalition: www.translatinacoalition.org

Julian Walker: @thtguyjulian
Carmen Carrera: @Carmen_Carrera
Daniel Franzese: @WhatsupDanny

CONTACT
Eric Waters
Health Unlimited
(212) 886-2222
[email protected] 

SOURCE Southern AIDS Coalition