HIV-Positive Men Stage Third Annual 'Kiss-In' at U.S.–Mexico Border to Challenge Stigma

On Nov. 30, 2025, HIV-positive men gathered at Friendship Park/Parque de la Amistad on the U.S.–Mexico border for the third annual Besoton Sidoso Internacional, the International HIV Kiss-In. The public demonstration — held ahead of World AIDS Day — used visible, consensual displays of intimacy to challenge stigma around dating and sex for people living with HIV and to show solidarity with queer migrants facing increasingly hostile immigration policies.

Participants kissed in front of the border fence, listened to speakers including community leaders and drag performers, and shared personal testimony. Organizers emphasized that the Kiss-In is a deliberate, provocative action intended to normalize the sexuality of people living with HIV and to demand humane treatment and access to care for queer migrants.

"As one of the only openly HIV-positive executive directors of a global organization, I am inspired and heartened by this highly visible action for the rights of all people living with HIV, especially queer migrants, when there’s so much fear and disinformation out there," said Andrew Spieldenner, MPact’s executive director. "Our communities are powerful when we come together."

Alex Garner, MPact’s senior director of strategic initiatives and communications, described the Kiss-In as both a symbolic and political act: "We've transcended borders of sexuality and of gender. Borders cannot restrict our fight for queer migrants and people living with HIV as we utilize the power of a kiss."

Why the Kiss-In Matters

The event highlighted research and concerns about migrants and HIV. A 2018 report from the National Institutes of Health found that migrants in high-income countries are disproportionately affected by HIV and often face factors associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Many migrants acquire HIV after migration and encounter barriers to diagnosis and sustained care.

Research from the Williams Institute estimates that roughly 3% of non-U.S. citizens living in the United States — about 640,000 people — identify as LGBTQ+, including as many as 288,000 undocumented immigrants. Advocates warn that queer migrants are at heightened risk under recent immigration enforcement policies, and those living with HIV in detention settings can face violence, stigma, and denial of life-saving medications.

Scenes from Friendship Park

Photographer Daniel Guevara captured moments from the Kiss-In: couples and friends kissing in front of the metal border fence, a drag performer addressing the crowd, organizers speaking alongside participants, and small groups sharing conversation and support. The atmosphere combined celebration, protest, and personal testimony — a public pushback against the misinformation and fear that often surrounds HIV.

The organizers framed the action as part of a broader demand for dignity, healthcare access, and humane immigration policies that protect queer migrants and people living with HIV. As World AIDS Day approaches, participants said the Kiss-In was intended to center lived experience and press policymakers and the public to take concrete steps that reduce stigma and expand care.

Photo credit: Daniel Guevara