July 21st marks Zero HIV Stigma Day. It deeply saddens me to reflect on the unfortunate cuts to HIV research, the criminalization of those living with the illness, and the fact that the top three communities impacted by HIV—Black individuals, men who have sex with men (MSX), cisgender women, and transgender people—are often overlooked.

I long for conversations about HIV to be normalized, free from shame, judgment, or stigma. In my view, these are key factors that allow HIV to run rampant in our communities. We engage in many discussions, not just about HIV but about disclosure on various topics, yet we fail to create a safe space for such discussions. Disclosing your transgender identity can put you at risk, even from someone who looks and sounds just like you. When we add another “taboo” or a barrier to the mix, it complicates matters further. People shy away from discussing these issues because it challenges the reality they work hard to maintain—a sense of normalcy. I pray for a day when we can have honest conversations about something as normal as sex and how to protect ourselves. Until that point, we must stop asking for disclosure when we aren't taking the necessary precautions for our safety, such as using PrEP, Doxy PEP, condoms, and engaging in open conversations about safer sex.

Victoria Von Blaque embodies more than just a name within the Transgender and sex worker rights movements, she’s a force of change, compassion, and perseverance. With over twenty years of experience, she has established herself as an advocate, consultant, and performer. Most importantly, she is dedicated to honoring the impactful legacy of her late mentor, Cecilia Gentili.

Cecilia Gentili was a groundbreaking activist who significantly advanced the rights of the transgender and sex work communities, particularly through her efforts to abolish the "Walking While Trans" law in New York City. Her untimely passing created a profound gap, but Victoria, who viewed Cecilia as a mentor, big sister, and dear friend, has committed herself to carry on Cecilia's vital work, envisioning a future where transgender individuals and sex workers can thrive without the threat of discrimination or criminalization.

As I sit here watching cartoons with my cat, smoking a joint, and reflecting on the holidays, the elections, and community, a quote from a kids' show called “Phineas and Ferb” sent me into a rabbit hole of why I love villains and antiheroes. The quote was, “A hero is a hero, but everybody loves a great villain.” As a Black, non-binary, Trans feminine person, my existence is often used as a scapegoat for ignorance and justifications of people's rage, without them knowing who I am and only being concerned with what I am. How long must all of my communities endure this? Let’s not forget that intersectionality is real; I’m not just fighting racism; I’m fighting sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and the list goes on. Like many people in marginalized communities that I share space with, all we want is to live a happy and free life. The reality is that most of us are surviving, and the few of us who are thriving are told we should be grateful for the bare minimum that many of our counterparts take for granted.