Howard Brown Health Presents “Let’s Talk About PrEP”

(Chicago, IL – July 27, 2018) – Today, Howard Brown Health unveiled a new song and music video, “Let’s Talk About PrEP,” to continue raising the visibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the fight against HIV. Performed by Chicago-based rapper KC Ortiz, and featuring Big Dipper as well as local influencers, the song is a cover of Salt-N-Pepa’s classic hit “Let’s Talk About Sex.”

“Howard Brown Health is thrilled to present this exciting music video as an advocacy and awareness platform for HIV prevention,” said Erik Roldan, Director of Communications for Howard Brown Health. “‘Let’s Talk about PrEP’ is both a celebration and a call to action – we are on the precipice of an HIV-free generation, and PrEP is one of the tools we need to get us there. However, we must continue to increase PrEP access among communities who need it, particularly people of color on the south side of Chicago.”

PrEP is a once-daily medication that is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. When taken as directed, and used in conjunction with other safer sex practices, PrEP allows HIV negative individuals to take control of their health and stay HIV negative.

“Let’s Talk about PrEP” brings together a diverse LGBTQ cast. Performed by KC Ortiz, featuring Big Dipper, the video also stars local drag queen and advocate Lucy Stoole, DJs [X]P and All the Way Kay, comic Tien Tran, and more. It was produced by Imagination + Muscle Productions and directed by Tobin Del Cuore and filmed at a variety of Chicago locations, including Howard Brown’s Andersonville Brown Elephant resale shop.

“This song is about conversation – we need to talk about PrEP and HIV in our community,” said KC Ortiz. “When we talk to our partners and our loved ones about sexual health, we are eliminating stigma. Let’s talk about sex. Let’s talk about HIV. Let’s talk about PrEP.”

“Let’s Talk About PrEP” continues the HIV-advocacy legacy of Salt-N-Pepa’s original 1991 song. Two years after its release, they re-recorded it as “Let’s Talk About AIDS,” bringing awareness of the HIV epidemic to mainstream audiences.

The project was funded by a grant from the Illinois Community Health Foundation.

Howard Brown Health exists to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness. Howard Brown is the largest LGBTQ organization in the Midwest, providing primary and specialty healthcare, social services, and infectious disease screenings to more than 32,000 people each year.  Our 10 clinics span the City of Chicago, from Englewood to Rogers Park.  For more information, visit howardbrown.org.

##
Media Inquiries:

Erik Roldan, Director of Communications for Howard Brown Health

erikr@howardbrown.org, 312.206.2167