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The PrEP Heroes campaign aims to increase awareness of drugs that prevent HIV from establishing itself if a person is exposed. "Being a part of the PrEP Hero campaign was important because it was an opportunity to show diversity in communities where HIV and LGBT intersect," Franco De Marco said. Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Models featured in the campaign all use the drug. "As a community that's already dealt with hardship, hatred and discrimination, we don't need to turn on ourselves," Peter William Dunn said about breaking stigma around HIV and AIDS. "Treat everyone with respect and empathy, and treat those who are HIV-positive as real human beings not defined by a disease." Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Mike Dreyden says he believes awareness is the best teacher. "Having open and honest discussions where we can teach young people how to protect themselves," he says. Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
"Give the public a face to put to the movement towards a cure," Alex Marshall said. "It makes the issue more personal so it doesn't feel so scary." Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Charles Quiles first learned about PrEP in 2013. "Since then, it's impacted my approach by adding an added level of safety from current methods of prevention," he said. Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Calvin Joshua was excited to learn about the potential for PrEP. "It inspired hope that we are getting closer each day to a full-on cure," he said. Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
"HIV is still a big issue that we all need to be responsible for, regardless of race or sexual orientation," Alex Zarlengo said. "It's everyone's responsibility." Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Seth Fornea was inspired by PrEP Heroes to stage his own hero shoot to be part of the campaign. Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
Nathan King wants to help fight the stigma associated with PrEP. "Unlike many medical breakthroughs and preventive strategies, PrEP, and its users, faced criticism from the beginning," he said. "People who used the medication are stigmatized and stereotyped, rather than supported for taking steps to protect the health of themselves and their communities." Mike Ruiz/Housing Works
