HRC Announces New Slate of Peer Educators to Expand Sexual Health Education at HBCUs

"We're proud to welcome this dynamic cohort of students who are advancing HIV awareness across their campuses and stepping into leadership as trusted peer educators," said HRC Strategic Initiatives Manager and former PrEP ambassador Tyronae J. Smith. "As a Black queer woman, HBCU alumna, and former PrEP ambassador, I understand the barriers many college-age people face when it comes to knowing their status-whether it's stigma, misinformation, limited access to services, or simply not knowing where to start. This program is designed to meet students where they are by providing clear, culturally responsive education on HIV prevention, testing, and care, while also affirming that sexual health is a vital part of overall wellness. By equipping these ambassadors with the tools to start honest conversations, connect peers to resources like testing and PrEP, and challenge myths that fuel shame, we're helping HBCU campuses build a stronger culture of care."

The 10-person cohort consists of students from HBCUs across the country, including: Brittiny Ando, University at Buffalo; Naima Gaines, Howard University; Erin Gibbs, Grambling State University; Brianna Hullet, Hampton University; Ahrion Jones, Kentucky State University; Zy Murry, Xavier University; Parison Simon, Dillard University; Louis Smith, Dillard University; Jaylen Stewart, Xavier University; and Michael Tiller, Howard University.

According to the CDC, an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV, and approximately 13% do not know their status. The epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities: in 2019, Black Americans accounted for roughly 39% of all new HIV diagnoses, and young people remain especially vulnerable-those aged 13-24 represent about 20% of new HIV cases, yet 44% of youth living with HIV are unaware of their status. Among college students specifically, only about one in four has ever been tested for HIV. Despite these realities, many HBCUs lack formal HIV prevention practices, leaving many students without access to essential education, testing, and prevention tools. This gap underscores the urgency of HRCF's Strategic Outreach program's mission to support communities that have been historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic.

Through this cohort, HRC is committed to expanding access to HIV prevention resources on HBCU campuses, ensuring that students have the knowledge and tools needed to protect their health within their communities.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 3.6 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen and supported where it matters most: at school, at work and in every community across the country. From the courtroom to the classroom, from Congress to corporate America, HRC and the HRC Foundation build power through partnerships, storytelling, and action-working to create a future rooted in equity, freedom and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people.

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