I just want to thank #blackwomentwitter for teaching me that when I go to the Dr. & request testing or medication & they say no, ask them to document refusal in the chart. I just tried it & IT WORKED. Provider came back & said, “I’ve reconsidered” you know your body/life best.

I was requesting a prescription for PrEP & told I was low risk & did not meet the CDC criteria bc I’m not a man having anal sex with men meanwhile NYC has a whole ass campaign for Black cis & trans women & presumably ppl AFAB . I had questions & time. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.amny.com/amp/news/hiv-marketing-campaign-nyc-1.17164692

The systemic lack of sexuality education & reliable healthcare, the unfortunate stigma re: STIs & HIV & just general societal discomfort w/honesty abt sexual behavior leads me to be skeptical abt trusting mutual monogamy. I love the idea of having more control over my exposure.

Update: went to the pharmacy to pick it up, it was $1K bc I have a HDHP w/(generously employer funded)HSA & have $2300 more to meet my deductible. Discovered the PrEP/Truvada drug manufacturer @GileadSciences will pay up to 7K in co pays per year. ICYMI https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/financial-support/gilead-copay-card