October

9 – LeRoy Whitfield, a writer and former senior editor at POZ who chronicled his life with HIV and his choice to forgo antiretroviral treatment, dies of AIDS-related complications at age 36. (2005)

15 – National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day logo

19 – Inspired by the Broadway classic Bye Bye Birdie, the digital company Queerty releases Oraquick: The Musical, a video featuring well-known drag queens, influencers and actors who promote sex positivity and at-home HIV testing with Oraquick. (2021)

hand with phone and Oraquick: The Musical

(Hand with Phone) iStock; (Oraquick: The Musical) Youtube/@queerty

November

7 – POZ Founder Sean Strub is elected mayor of Milford, Pennsylvania. (2017)

Sean Strub

Sean StrubBill Wadman

14 – Rapper Lil B releases the track “I Got AIDS” from his album I’m Gay (I’m Happy). The song urges listeners to get tested for HIV and have safer sex. (2011)

I’m Gay (I’m Happy) by Rapper Lil B

“I’m Gay (I’m Happy)” by Rapper Lil BWikipedia

28 – AIDS United names Jesse Milan Jr., a 30-year community advocate and nationally recognized leader and speaker on HIV and AIDS policies and programs, as president and CEO. (2016)

Jesse Milan Jr.Courtesy of Jesse Milan, Jr.