The Mission of the Movement

The Melanated Movement Fund , supported Gilead Sciences Setting the P.A.C. E Initiative empowers Black women by expanding access to tailored HIV prevention and care through strategic funding, capacity building, and technical assistance. This initiative supports community-based organizations in delivering comprehensive services that address the unique needs of Black cis and trans women, fostering advocacy, education, and holistic well-being. Visit our news and resource section to learn more about our grantees. 

As we evolve, the Melanated Movement Fund builds upon our foundational work in stigma reduction, storytelling, and prevention for Black women of all experiences affected by HIV. We recognize that addressing HIV is not just about medicine—it’s about centering the whole person, their experiences, aspirations, and communities. Our movement is committed to empowering Black women through education, open dialogue, and strategic investments, ensuring that their voices and experiences are uplifted and valued.

The Melanated Movement Engagement initiative, funded by Merck Concepts and ViiV Healthcare, centers stigma reduction, storytelling, and prevention and care for Black women of all experiences impacted by HIV. Our national messaging campaign is committed to empowering Black women through education, open dialogue, and strategic investments, ensuring that their voices and experiences are valued.

Together, we are not just addressing the HIV epidemic—we are creating a future where Black women thrive, lead, and receive the care they deserve.

Our Focus Areas

Stigma Reduction

We are reshaping the conversation around HIV prevention, testing, and care by fostering honest and empowering discussions. Our platform challenges the shame and stigma associated with HIV while promoting inclusive, affirming narratives that resonate with Black women and their lived experiences.

Storytelling & Advocacy

We are committed to amplifying the voices of Black cis and trans women. Through storytelling, personal narratives, and advocacy, we create a safe space for connection, healing, and empowerment. By sharing real-life experiences, we inspire understanding, empathy, and action—because every story has the power to drive change.

HIV Prevention & Education

We provide accurate, up-to-date information on the latest HIV prevention strategies, equipping Black women with the tools to protect themselves and their communities. Our resources include education on PrEP, PEP, condom use, harm reduction, and safer sex practices to ensure holistic prevention efforts.

HIV Testing & Access

We empower our community with knowledge and access to testing services, helping individuals understand where to get tested, what to expect, and how to navigate their results. We also provide information on at-home HIV test kits for those who prefer confidential testing in the comfort of their own homes.

 

Upcoming Events & Roundtables

Join Melanated Movement’s Autumn Roundtable Celebrating the Power of Black Women in the Ballroom/House Community!

The presence of women in the Ballroom/House community goes far beyond walking balls and winning trophies. Both cisgender and transgender women are the pulse that keeps houses thriving and communities alive.

Melanated Movement is kicking off their autumn roundtable series with a powerful conversation featuring three incredible women from the Ballroom community: Mother Jaimee Balenciaga, Koko Ebony, and Toni Bryce.

On October 15, 2025 at 12pm ET, join the conversation as these women share their journeys into Ballroom, discuss cultural shifts, and the role of Ballroom in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Register to join the conversation or watch on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube!

Our Work

The Dandelions is a network of lifetime survivors of HIV, rooted and led by Black Women living with HIV. On December 22, 2023, as Carli Cray of #melanatedmovement speaks with Dandelions’ movement builders Antoinette N Jones, Derinthia Williams, and Kimberly Canady about the origin behind the name, the role of art in HIV advocacy, and hopes for the future of ending the HIV epidemic. This conversation is supported by AIDS United’s Partnering and Communicating Together (PACT) program 

Melanated Movement Kickoff Video

Join the Melanated Movement, a new HIV campaign for Black women by AIDS United.

Get free testing.
Reduce stigma.
Increase access to care.
And more.

End the epidemic in our community.

Visit aidsunited.org/melanated-movement.

movement@aidsunited.org
#MelanatedMovement

[Download video.]