In The Latest Philanthropy News Of All Things Tamar Braxton
GRAMMY-nominated singer, TV personality, and outspoken health advocate Tamar Braxton has announced a powerful new partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to amplify awareness around HIV prevention—specifically the use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)—among Black women. The collaboration officially launched at Essence Festival 2025, where Braxton joined the Safe & Sexy panel on the Global Black Economic Forum stage to spark real conversations about sexual health, stigma, and empowerment.
“I’m partnering with Gilead Sciences to help more Black women see PrEP as an option for protecting their health, their peace, and their pleasure,” Braxton shared. “I’m all about dating with confidence, and Black women have stopped talking about HIV—it needs to be part of our conversation again.”
Her message arrives at a critical moment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although Black women make up just 13% of the U.S. female population, they account for over 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women. This alarming disparity underscores the need for culturally resonant outreach and education that directly speaks to the realities of Black women’s lives, relationships, and health challenges.
PrEP, a once-daily pill that reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% when taken consistently, remains vastly underutilized in Black communities, particularly among cisgender women. The CDC reports that fewer than 10% of Black women who could benefit from PrEP are currently prescribed it.
By contrast, the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay and bisexual men, has seen a significant drop in new HIV diagnoses since PrEP’s introduction in 2012. In fact, among white gay and bisexual men, new HIV cases dropped by 32% between 2015 and 2019—a success linked directly to increased PrEP access and education.
Braxton, known for her candor on shows like Braxton Family Values and The Real, is now using her platform to break the silence surrounding HIV and to fight the stigma that keeps so many Black women from seeking out protection.
To learn more about HIV prevention and PrEP, visit Healthysexuals.com.
