Tamar Braxton has announced a major partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to address a critical issue in HIV prevention among Black women.
The GRAMMY-nominated singer, actress, and television personality is using her voice to uplift and protect Black women and raise awareness about HIV prevention, with a specific focus on educating Black women about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This medication can reduce the risk of getting HIV.
The powerful partnership was unveiled during Essence Festival 2025, where Tamar appeared on the “Safe & Sexy” panel alongside singer Raheem DeVaughn, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, and Rashad Burgess at the Global Black Economic Forum. The conversation? Candid, educational, and long overdue.
“I’m all about dating with confidence,” Tamar told the audience, before boldly adding, “Black women have stopped talking about HIV, and it needs to be part of our conversation again.”
Despite making up just 13% of the female population in the U.S., Black women account for over half of all new HIV diagnoses among women. That stat alone is chilling and a big part of what’s driving Tamar’s latest mission.
Earlier this year, Tamar went viral after revealing in a now-deleted video that she takes PrEP herself. She said the current dating pool motivated her decision to prioritize safety, self-awareness, and sexual health.
She bravely revealed on social media that she takes PrEP, candidly explaining it was due to the “current dating pool” and its perceived “lack of options” for “not being for the outside.”
“I’m not ashamed,” she said at the time. “I’m protecting my peace—and my health.”
The partnership also arrives on the heels of major medical advancements. The World Health Organization recently endorsed a twice-yearly PrEP injection called lenacapavir, an exciting step in the global fight against HIV. And for Gilead, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in HIV prevention, this collaboration with Tamar is a perfect match.
A massive shout-out to Tamar Braxton for using her powerful platform to spread news that can truly save lives and empower Black women to take control of their sexual health. This is advocacy in action!
