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


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

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

“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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.