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Mardrequs Harris

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Why do we gather? 🤝

At the 2026 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS, Mardrequs Harris of the Southern AIDS Coalition sat down with us to talk about why coming together matters, what we learn from each other, and how sharing ideas builds real coalition.

#2026USCHA #EndHIVStigma #PlusLife

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Thank you @southernaidscoalition for having me at this year’s SOS Conference 🩵✨

Each year is filled with love and dedication to the work that is done within the community.

And I am honored to be a part of the movement!

Shout out to @whoisjelijah for capturing my fiercely animated moments 📸

And shout out to @mharris3216 for always inviting me to the party 🎉

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〽️ick Ward Monday 😎

Last Sunday I had the opportunity and pleasure to grace the stage for a third year for my bro @mharris3216 and the @southernaidscoalition for their SOS (Saving Purselves Symposium) Brunch. It was such and honor to be apart of the great work they are doing in our communities.

Here’s a clip of one of the R&B tributes I did to John Legend. Y’all be nice to me now. 😅😅😅

John Legend - So High (Cover)

Soprano - @brittisit
Alto - @iamdinae
Tenor - @miyaunasings
🎹 - @iam_drecole
🥁- @g_faqsoflife

It’s always a time had when we’re together. I love my team!!! Thank Y’all for always having my back!🤞🏾

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Some gatherings become part of your story. The Saving Ourselves Symposium is part of mine. 💜

For more than a decade, I have attended nearly every year, and I keep returning because this space feels like community, restoration, culture, and joy.

This year, I was honored to co-present on the Political Determinants of Health, exploring how power, policy, representation, and resources shape who has the opportunity to live, thrive, and experience health.

Saving Ourselves reminds us that joy is not separate from the work. The learning, truth-telling, music, laughter, and connection are all part of how we sustain ourselves and one another.

Deep gratitude to the @southernaidscoalition for continuing to hold this essential space; to @blksouthrising for the partnership and opportunity to contribute; and to leading sponsors @gileadsciences and @viivhealthcare for investing in our communities.

I was also proud to represent Cornerstone Strategy & Advisory, LLC and our commitment to stronger institutions, healthier communities, and meaningful change.

More than a decade later, Saving Ourselves Symposium still feels like home. ✨

#SavingOurselvesSymposium #SouthernAIDSCoalition #BlackSouthRising #PoliticalDeterminantsOfHealth #HealthEquity HIVAdvocacy BlackHealth LGBTQHealth CommunityAndJoy PublicHealth CornerstoneStrategyAndAdvisory

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Still taking in this past weekend. 🥹❤️

I had the opportunity to attend the Saving Ourselves Symposium, powered by the Southern AIDS Coalition, and share something I’m incredibly proud of: @glaad’s 2026 State of HIV Stigma Report, which I had the honor of serving as Lead Author.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this work:

The science has moved forward. Public understanding has not kept pace.

Only 31% of Gen Z adults say they feel knowledgeable about HIV, while 70% of U.S. adults have not seen a person living with HIV depicted on TV or in movies in the past year.

That’s why visibility, accurate information, and authentic storytelling matter.

Swipe through for a few key findings. The full report is linked in my bio, and my DMs are always open if you want to learn more. ❤️

And please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE. Every interaction helps amplify this data, educate someone new, and push this conversation beyond those already doing the work.

Let’s educate. Let’s amplify. Let’s keep the conversation going.

#HIV #HIVStigma #EndHIVStigma #UequalsU

📸: @jelijahphotos / @whoisjelijah

📊🧑‍💻 (graphics): @unico_roho & @our.elizabeth

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Taking Action Together Summit was awesome this year! ✊🏾

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End-of-year #photodump Q3|Q4

#2025 was dynamic, stretching, and full of moments that mattered. Every chapter, every pivot—I was here for it all 🎶

Onward to #2026 ✨💙

#blackboyjoy #blackcreative #love #yourself

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Voices of empowerment. Stories of courage. 💬✨
At the 2025 HIV Advocacy Summit, students and advocates came together to speak truth about body autonomy, consent, and breaking the stigma around HIV and PrEP.
Their message is clear — HIV prevention is for everyone, and health begins with empowerment. ❤️
#gileadsciences #hivawareness #hiv #endthestigma #prep #healthequity #voicesofchange #bodyautonomy #consent

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This journey began a few months ago, and in that time, I have had the privilege of working with @gileadsciences on the planning of what has been described as the, “Inaugural Gilead PrEP/HIV Annual Advocacy Summit”. Serving on this planning committee has reignited my passion for supporting and uplifting the advocates who tirelessly champion the needs of clients, patients, friends, and families — all while striving toward their own growth and purpose. I am deeply grateful for this second opportunity, having first engagement in a different capacity in 2019.

Time truly flies, and I am honored to continue for there is #MoreWorkToDo ❕

HUGE-SHOUTOUT TO EVERYONE I WAS ABLE TO MEET/SEE OR RE-CONNECT WITH!!! 🥰🤎✊🏾❕ #JenniferBarnesBalenciaga #PublicHealthProfessional #GirlsLikeUs #WomenLikeUs #PeopleLikeUs #SerodiscordantRelevance #LetsKeepThisMomentumGoing #Nationally #Internationally #ThisInvolvesAllBodies

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✨ @gileadsciences flew me out to their HIV Advocacy Summit as a guest, and I’m beyond grateful for the experience. 🙏🏽 I learned so much about the stigma around HIV and the importance of PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV. 💊

I want to encourage everyone….gay, straight, or anywhere in between to get tested, stay informed, and protect yourself. 💪🏽 Knowledge is power, and prevention saves lives.

Huge thank you to my brother in Christ @mharris3216 for inviting me to such a powerful and eye-opening event. I met amazing people, made new friends, ate good, and felt truly taken care of by Gilead. 💜

Let’s continue to support and sponsor companies like @GileadSciences that are making real change in our communities. 🩸❤️

#GileadSummit #HIVAwareness #StopTheStigma #PrEP #ProtectYourself #GetTested #CommunityCare #HealthIsWealth #GileadPartner #HIVAware #AdvocacyInAction #BlessedAndGrateful #HIVPrevention #FaithAndAction

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Happy Birthday Past National President Mardrequs Harris. We hope you enjoy your day and wish you many, MANY more. ❤️🪻🖤🐬

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A year ago, someone I thought truly saw me looked at me and said, “Well, you’re just a graphic designer.”

That statement pushed me to own my narrative. I decided I would no longer pour my energy, talent, and expertise into spaces that refused to see me fully.

I first saw the @blackqueercreativesummit two years ago. I applied, didn’t get in, and told myself, “I’m gonna keep trying.” When the application dropped this year, I sent it to my homies—those who applied got in too.

To step into a space where my Blackness and queerness were centered—without having to pick one—was powerful. Last weekend, I didn’t have to choose. I met so many incredible creatives, some I’ve collaborated with before and others I had only admired online.

My biggest takeaways?
✨ The resources we need are already in the room
✨ Technology is the bridge to creativity and freedom
✨ Purpose doesn’t fade, it evolves

Even though it’s been almost a year since I left TransTech, my purpose is clear: I am a bridge.

So no, I’m not just a graphic designer.
I am an innovator, a strategist, and an advocate.

And when someone asked me during a session, “You’re so passionate, who hurt you?” my response was simple:
“I’m a Black man who happens to be trans living in America… what kind of question is that?”

This cohort is proactive, brilliant, and already moving culture forward. To my fellow cohort members: technology is in everything, and a good remote tech job can give you the freedom to thrive as an artist. I’ve done it—and I know many of you can too.

Thank you to @dashawnusher @julian.walker and the entire team on consultants that make this possible

#BQCS25 #TechnologyIsInEverything

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