2015 was a big year for HIV! Not only were there huge advancements in science, but the epidemic also found its way back into mainstream media through art, pop culture and social activism. As we gear up for another stimulating year of progression towards putting an end to new HIV diagnoses, take a peek at these 10 tweets that tell the story of a big year in the HIV epidemic (in no particular order):

No new HIV infections in Kaiser PrEP study

Kaiser PrEP study: no new HIV infections among 650 Truvada users over a 32 month period. It works. http://t.co/KyYPsy3LPM

— databasic аdmin (@skimbrel) September 3, 2015

After two and a half years of trials, one of the largest pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) studies yet reveals that no new HIV infections were found among 650 study subjects on the HIV prevention regimen.

Charlie Sheen announces HIV-positive status on the Today Show

Charlie Sheen announces he is HIV + on the Today Show https://t.co/yylepnYRkI pic.twitter.com/cKTNH4fHup

— HIVequal (@HIVequal) November 16, 2015

In a personal interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show, Charlie Sheen reveals his HIV-positive status to millions of viewers. Through a vulnerable and honest discussion, Sheen was able to challenge the typical fear-mongering and stigma-fueled rhetoric that is standard for mainstream HIV reporting.

HIV-positive blood used to print Austrian magazine the Vangardist

Blood from people living with HIV used to print Austrian magazine http://t.co/mA9m9P5yiV

— AIDS United (@AIDS_United) October 15, 2015

“Nothing can harm you holding the magazine, and nothing can harm you holding an HIV-positive person,” says Julian Wiehl, editor-in-chief of the Vangardist. In addition to raising awareness about the HIV epidemic, this bold, artistic statement addresses the stigma and irrational fears about HIV and HIV-positive people.

Advocates establish #PrEPActionDay

On 7/16/12 the FDA approved Truvada for use as PrEP! Declare today #PrEPActionDay! #PrEPWorks #DailyBlue pic.twitter.com/QSioeIM4MP

— Whitman-Walker (@whitmanwalker) July 16, 2015

In an effort to increase awareness around the critical role that PrEP plays in HIV prevention, advocates from around the world came together to declare July 16 the day that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada for use as PrEP in 2012) PrEP Action Day.

National HIV/AIDS Strategy reissued

In 2010 @POTUS launched U.S. 1st #NHAS to end #HIV/AIDS. Today he recommited to goal: https://t.co/XBG7UgwKUT #NHAS2020 ht @AIDSgov @HHSGov

— Out2Enroll (@Out2Enroll) July 30, 2015

In a follow-up to the first comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy released in July 2010, President Obama reveals an updated strategy that capitalizes on the major scientific and policy advances of the last five years, increases focus on the populations most-affected by HIV in the U.S., and sets national prevention, care and disparities goals for 2020.

New single-tablet HIV regimen approved by FDA

FDA approves Gilead’s single-tablet Genvoya, the first #HIV treatment to include updated version of tenofovir https://t.co/9BFyZjO5FR $GILD

— POZ Magazine (@pozmagazine) November 13, 2015

The FDA approves Gilead’s fixed-dose, single-tablet combination antiretroviral regimen Genvoya, which is the first of its kind to include an updated version of tenofovir, making HIV management and long-term treatment more effective.

Mykki Blanco becomes the first openly HIV-positive rapper

Learn more about Mykki Blanco the first openly HIV+ rapper & his music, stigma, life, & more https://t.co/2SSoieL5f3 pic.twitter.com/drpWXPpDAj

— AIDS Project L.A. (@aplatweets) November 10, 2015

Transgender rapper, poet and artist Mykki Blanco opened up about his HIV-positive status via a Facebook post: “I've been HIV positive since 2011, my entire career,” he stated. “F*** stigma and hiding in the dark, this is my real life.”

Trans sex workers are 25 times more likely to be living with HIV

Trans Sex Workers Are 25x More Likely to Be HIV+ Than General Population https://t.co/0ETeBrrWra MT @meeshellchen pic.twitter.com/rE3TBRE6mw

— HIV Insight (@HIV_Insight) December 17, 2015

Reports published by Red Umbrella Project, National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), and Best Practices Policy Project (BPPP) help us better understand the importance of prioritizing the needs of those who are most vulnerable to HIV by advocating for social justice, equal job opportunities and appropriate medical care.

Michael Johnson criminalized for HIV; faces over 30 years in prison

HIV Positive Wrestler, Michael Johnson, Gets 30 Years For ‘Recklessly Infecting’ Male Sexual Partner, Exposing Others http://t.co/JgVWb4E8lL

— Inquisitr News (@theinquisitr) July 15, 2015

Cases like Michael Johnson’s reveal, once again, unjust laws that feed into stereotypes that assume Black gay men are irresponsible and hypersexual. In addition, Johnson’s sentencing shows the importance of treating HIV as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.

U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of federal health care subsidies

#SCOTUS upholds #ACA - important win for people living with #HIV http://t.co/VxKRAvPQ3U

— Lambda Legal (@LambdaLegal) June 25, 2015

The SCOTUS ruling that allowed for the continuation of federal subsidies through the Affordable Care Act was a huge victory for those who rely on these subsidies to access health insurance, including people living with HIV or who are vulnerable to HIV.

Categorized under Advocacy and Inside Story.