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
push for accountability...
my most favorite line is the last - like, yes it is appreciated. just make sure the right thing is done!
Brilliant
I am here for all of this. Thank you for always showing up in spaces to advocate. I hope the money impacts those who need it the most.
Silence is breaking us!
For me, I would say this:
Many advocates and activists from the past have grown tired—some have even stepped away from the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Most are now focused on their personal lives and careers. And truthfully, I don’t blame them.
The journey has been long. Heavy. Exhausting.
But here’s the hard truth:
We are no longer breaking the silence.
We are allowing the silence to break us.
We must rise again.
We must find our voices—because the fight is not over!!!
The challenges are still real. The stigma is still alive. The barriers remain!!!!
The next generation needs to hear our stories—not just the victories, but the scars, the pain, the perseverance.
That is how we keep the movement alive.
That is how we make sure no one is left behind!