The New York State Department of Health’s AIDS Institute has launched “Unfiltered,” a new docuseries focused on promoting HIV prevention in Black and Brown communities across the state. The series, which is available on social media platforms and the campaign’s official website UnfilteredNY.org, aims to increase awareness about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and address disparities in HIV prevention.
“Unfiltered” follows eight influencers, artists, and advocates from various parts of New York. It seeks to normalize conversations about PrEP and empower individuals to take charge of their sexual health. The campaign addresses the higher rates of HIV among people of color and emphasizes culturally relevant prevention strategies.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “The ‘Unfiltered’ series centers around honest conversations about HIV prevention in communities of color and the lived experiences of real people who are bravely sharing their personal stories about PrEP for HIV prevention, sexual health and wellness. The campaign aims to foster open dialogue about HIV prevention resources and build community connections focused on awareness and equitable access to preventive health care, bringing us one step closer to ending the epidemic across all communities.”
Data from the New York State HIV Surveillance Report shows that in 2024, people of color represented nearly 80 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in New York, despite making up only one-third of the population. Although PrEP is highly effective—reducing the risk of contracting HIV by 99 percent—communities of color remain underrepresented among its users. For example, Black and Latina women accounted for 86 percent of women newly diagnosed with HIV but only 32 percent of those prescribed PrEP.
Joseph Kerwin, Director of the AIDS Institute, said, “This campaign represents a vital step forward in our mission to end the HIV epidemic. By amplifying authentic voices and centering the lived experiences of Black and Brown New Yorkers, we can break down the barriers of stigma and misinformation that too often prevent people from accessing life-saving tools like PrEP. Unfiltered is more than an awareness campaign. It’s a movement to foster open dialogue and ensure health equity for all.”
Episodes will be released every two weeks, each highlighting a different influencer’s story. The first episode features artist and activist Yves Mathieu East from Bushwick, who works to support Black and queer youth through community-building efforts.
Yves Mathieu East commented, “In the simplest of terms, PrEP is HIV prevention. I feel liberation in my sexuality. Being on PrEP is an accent to that liberation.”
The campaign encourages community partners—including healthcare providers, advocacy groups, influencers, leaders, and media—to share content and distribute materials both online and offline.
More information can be found at UnfilteredNY.org or by following @NYSDOH on Instagram or Facebook; @healthnygov on X; @NYSDOH on LinkedIn; or @NYSDOH on YouTube.
The initiative aligns with ongoing statewide efforts aimed at reducing new infections through greater equity in healthcare access.
