Part II

“ I AM LIVING PROOF THAT

“I AM LIVING

PROOF THAT

HIV CAN
HAPPEN
TO ANYONE.”

MILANI VARELA

DRAG PERFORMER + HIV ACTIVIST

ABOUT PART II

The HIV and the Journey Toward Zero series sparks important conversations around the end of the HIV epidemic. What does “the end” mean for those who have been there from the start, those living with HIV today and those leading the way to an HIV-free future?

Part 2 of the series, The Legacy, follows the everyday lives of younger advocates and people living with HIV. This next generation of leaders is at the beginning of their journey, and they offer a frank perspective on the realities and misconceptions shaping their world and the future.

THE FACES BEHIND THE FILM

MILANI VARELA

Milani is an Afro-Latinx, gender nonconforming drag performer and activist who served as the mother of the House of Ninja for 10 years. She is the lead navigator for Essential Support Services at CALOR-AHF and an ambassador for CDC’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together” program. Milani was crowned Miss Diosa Latina USA Plus 2023 and uses beauty pageants as a platform to expand her work in HIV prevention.

TERRY DUDLEY

Terry is a Black queer activist with extensive knowledge and experience in STI and HIV prevention, testing and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the LGBTQ+ community. He is currently a public policy student at the University of Illinois Chicago, and hopes to teach HIV history and culture and to equip people to better serve our communities. Terry was raised on the South Side of Chicago and applies his own experience to understanding other queer folks of color, striving to ensure every voice is heard.

KARMA MUNEZ

Karma joined HIV and the Journey Toward Zero: The Legacy to share his experience maintaining his HIV-negative status. He is a Black HIV advocate and healthcare professional who uses his work in the ballroom community to build trusting relationships and talk to folks about HIV and health. Karma has been a part of the ballroom scene for more than 10 years, and currently serves as the Legendary Mother of the House of Gorgeous Gucci.

JOSHUA GATES

Joshua is a Black gay man and a native Chicagoan. While he continues growing and learning, Joshua has proudly overcome the stigmas of homelessness and his HIV+ status during his personal journey. He is passionate about helping young Black men prioritize themselves, and feels that communities need to offer resources and support to this important group.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Get a sneak peek at our cast and crew in action.