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GMoC Fellowship

The Gay Men of Color (GMoC) Fellowship seeks to equip its members with the tools needed for impactful advocacy. The program’s goal is to ensure that they have what it takes to engage in local and national decision-making processes.

The purpose is to make sure the HIV movement is led by the people most affected by the epidemic. We are building a group of advocates who are committed to making the movement more equitable and focused on ending HIV for good.

Why focus on GMoC?

Efforts need to center gay men of color to address disparities. In 2023, over 39,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in the U.S.. Over 80% were men, with 66% attributed to male-to-male sexual contact. From 2019 to 2023, there was an 8% increase in new HIV acquisitions through male-to-male sexual contact. 

Source:  HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence: 2025 Update

A closer look at the data reveals stark disparities among different racial and ethnic groups. In 2023, Hispanic and Black individuals each accounted for more than a third of new HIV acquisitions. Ages 25–44 accounted for 60% of diagnoses and the South region represented 51%. More specifically, the image below shows that for individuals aged 13–24 years (N=5,918), Black/African American males accounted for 47% of diagnoses, followed by Hispanic/Latino males at 36%. Among those over 24 years (N=19,998), Hispanic/Latino males comprised 40% of diagnoses, Black/African American males 30%.

Gay men of color face structural factors that others do not, like stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing healthcare. These systemic issues affect the well-being of the individual by restraining them from receiving the healthcare they deserve. That is why the Gay Men of Color Fellowship is invested in supporting leaders from these communities, individuals who understand the needs of their peers and can use their voice to shape the policies that impact their health.

GMoC Comic Series

The GMoC Fellowship provided tools to three of its members to develop a comic series about HIV treatment and prevention. This initiative aims to educate and engage the community through creative storytelling, ensuring that stories come directly from the community and are reflective of their own voices.

The Comic: Bayani

Bayani is one of many HIV superheroes in the world. He spends his time fighting the Stigma Supreme. Why, you ask? Stigma Supreme loves to share misleading and hurtful stories about HIV. These stories keep our family and friends in a state of fear and can prevent them from accessing HIV services such as HIV testing, HIV care, and PrEP. Stand with Bayani, and be brave as we fight together to shut down Stigma Supreme.

Bayani’s Creator: 

Concept developed by Benjamin Ignalino, a proud Asian American who has worked for over 20 years in the HIV field and who currently serves as the Program Manager for the Regional Office at the Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center housed at UCSF in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Connect with Ben through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook!

The Comic: UndetectaBAE

UndetectaBAE is a mentor, speaker, leader, fashionista and the newest HIV-positive superhero joining the fight to end HIV stigma. They use the power of U=U to continue to educate the community on HIV treatment and prevention. By taking one pill a day and getting tested regularly, UndetectaBAE has managed to remain undetectable for 13 years which means that they cannot transmit HIV through sex! Their mission is to uplift the community and inspire everyone to see themselves as a superhero.

UndetectaBAE’s Creator:

Created by Dana Rhone, an artist, LGBTQIA youth mentor, and HIV/AIDS advocate from Baltimore, MD. Dana’s mission is to cancel stigma and create a positive narrative around HIV/AIDS through art. 

Reach out to Dana through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

The Comic: PrEPpy

Meet PrEPpy, a superhero with the power of HIV prevention. With his shield, he makes sure everyone has the protection they need to feel confident, sexy, and ready for a good time. Join him on his adventures as he navigates through challenges, educates communities, and empowers others to prioritize their sexual health and well-being.

PrEPpy’s Creator:

Concept developed by Andrew Ogata, a fourth-generation Japanese American who hails from the small town of Kealakekua, Hawai’i. With a deep-rooted connection to his heritage and community, Andrew works as the Director of Marketing & Development at the Hawai’i Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC).

Give Andrew a follow on Instagram!

Contact for the GMoC Fellowship