Last night, the Amsterdam Dinner Event once again proved its power as the Netherlands' largest annual fundraiser for innovative, life-saving HIV initiatives. This year's focus—PrEP access—could not have been more urgent. The commitment to funding PrEP for young women and girls in Kenya and strengthening prevention here in the Netherlands is a step in the right direction.
But let's talk about reality.
For years, grassroots activists and local HIV communities have fought tirelessly for equitable PrEP access. Yet, as Eric the Dragking pointed out yesterday, we still remain largely UNSEEN. The HIV community is not just about legacy organizations—it's about real people in the community who bring passion, commitment, and groundbreaking innovation. And yet, when funds are raised, they overwhelmingly flow to the same few dominant players. This is a missed opportunity that keeps the status quo intact rather than fostering real change.
Our fight through PrEP Diversity has long challenged this dynamic, advocating for inclusive access and making sure the community—those most affected—have a seat at the table. Last night's conversation with Princess Mabel affirmed something powerful: when women know about PrEP, they demand it. Visibility matters. Representation matters. Knowledge matters.
And now, €1.2 million has been raised. The question is: how will it be spent? Will it truly reach the women who need it most, or will it largely remain within the conventional circles of power? Will grassroots efforts—those closest to the communities—be invited to collaborate, or will they be sidelined once again?
This is the moment to break the cycle. We are ready to work together. We already do—reaching sex workers in Burundi, supporting people living with HIV with a migrant background in the Netherlands, using talent and activism to push PrEP awareness beyond its current limitations. These are the voices that must be uplifted, because this is how we dismantle stigma and drive meaningful prevention.
So yes—thank you, Amsterdam Dinner Foundation. But let's ensure this money creates real impact, not just reinforces old systems.
Peace,
Eric the Dragking/ HIV Stigmafighter
This blog was originally posted on hivstigmafighter
