TWO CHARLOTTE POPULAR OPINION LEADERS ENDORSE NEW d-UP! PREVENTION IS SEXY CAMPAIGN

CHARLOTTE, NC - De'Arcy McVay and Storm Williams both believe that HIV/AIDS prevention will become more appealing to African-American men who have sex with men (MSM) through the d-UP! Prevention is Sexy campaign launched in late July.

The 4-year campaign will feature select popular opinion leaders on posters at most-frequented gay nightclubs such as Club Myxx, Club Scorpio, and Club Chasers. In addition, the campaign will feature the launch of a new website (www.d-up.info) and Internet outreach.

McVay, the campaign's first spokesmodel, believes the campaign will expose more individuals to d-UP's Popular Opinion Leader (POL) program.

"I went through four classes to become a Popular Opinion Leader. You can't beat it. You get paid $100 to make a big difference," he said.

D-UP is a local project that targets popular and influential African-American MSM between the ages of 13-24 to disseminate information about HIV/AIDS throughout the community. D-UP staff recruit, educate, and train POLs to change social norms amongst their friends by having more conversations about safer sex and risk-reduction.

According to Devin Baez, d-UP! Project Coordinator, POLs and the Prevention is Sexy campaign is critical to the Charlotte community.

"When data shows that 46% of African-American MSM are HIV-positive, we're at red alert," he said. "[This campaign] will reduce misinformation - ultimately resulting in more condom usage. The abstract idea that prevention is sexy makes it more appealing to the greater Charlotte community," said Baez.

Popular Opinion Leader Storm Williams agrees with Baez.

"Condoms take the worry out of sex. Sex becomes more enjoyable which makes prevention sexy," he said.

Williams, who also serves as Guest Services Chairperson for Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride, thinks the Prevention is Sexy campaign will encourage other community organizations to introduce similar campaigns.

"Contrary to the general consensus, once you have stuff in place for people, it makes it easier for others to join in on the effort," he said.

"[African-American MSM] want to be assured that there is hope despite the statistics. Prevention is sexy can help shape our minds," said Williams.

For more information on the d-UP Popular Opinion Leader program or Prevention is Sexy campaign, contact Charles Tyson at 704.644.4266 or ctyson@metrolinaaidsproject.org.