As the world prepares to commemorate World AIDS Day, a different kind of movement is converging on the U.S.-Mexico border on November 30th, one built not just on advocacy but on awareness, courage, and even joy. MPact global actionthe organization behind Kiss In Across Borders and Besoton Sidso International Events, is upending traditional activism by centering gay immigrants living with HIV and celebrating their humanity as well as their struggle.
For Alex Garner, director of community engagement at MPact, the job is both personal and deeply political. He believes that when gay immigrants living with HIV come together to kiss, hold hands, or simply show up unapologetically, they are making one of the most radical statements. We exist, we have agency, and we cannot be erased.
“Joy is an act of rebellion”
Visibility is powerful, but for queer immigrants, it is rarely safe. That’s why Garner explains: MP act It creates a space where individuals can determine their own level of visibility, their own narrative, and their own form of resistance.
“Visibility is a personal choice,” he says. “For many years, many queer people have felt it important to make an impact and accepted the risks that come with being visible. Our job is to help them choose their visibility and create a space where they are as protected as possible when they choose.”
This year, the space looks like a kiss. It’s loud, public, and very political. For some, it’s a form of protest. For others, it’s a love letter to a younger self who was taught to hide.
“Joy is an act of rebellion,” Garner says. “Prioritizing sexuality in these hostile times is a declaration of our humanity.”
When migration and HIV status are criminalized
meanwhile MP act‘s border work emphasizes resilience while also drawing attention to the harsh and often ignored realities faced by detained gay immigrants living with HIV. Garner said medical care in custody is not only inadequate but routinely denied.
“People in detention are simply denied access to health care. They are completely dehumanized, and there is evidence that LGBTQ immigrants are vulnerable to physical and sexual assault, and that their health needs are ignored or unaddressed,” he says.
One of his clearest arguments is for the complete decriminalization of immigration. “These are not violent criminals; they are people seeking a life away from violence and discrimination and in a place where they can fully express their sexuality and gender.”
From punishment to participation: The power of community-led movements
Besoton Sidoso Internacional, a community-led gathering founded by and for gay immigrants living with HIV, exemplifies this shift away from advocacy. for advocate for marginalized people by marginalized people.
“This proves that our community exists,” Garner said. “They are actively trying to speak out and take a stand against homophobia, misogyny and xenophobia.”
Whether through political discourse or public affection, these acts regain both movement and meaning.
Fearless Sight: A Legacy in Action
Garner has been living openly with HIV for nearly 30 years, but it’s not his own recovery that gives him hope, but seeing a new generation carry on the light.
“When people decide to be seen as queer, HIV-positive, or immigrant, it means they accept a risk because they know it’s better for those who come after them,” he says.
And for young activists? He has one message. “Don’t lead with fear.”
“I grew up in the ’80s, and my adolescence was consumed by fear. But the world has changed. It’s still difficult and hostile, but we’ve made progress. The next generation needs to be fearless.”
Boundaries that connect rather than divide
For Garner, borders are constructs that can be dismantled, whether political, social, or emotional. And thanks to social media, even those who cannot physically attend border events can now join the movement.
“Share posts that show your sexuality,” he says. “From Africa to Asia to the Middle East, queer immigrants and people living with HIV need to be represented.”
Because, as Garner reminds us, this is not just a local protest, but a rethinking of global activism.
On November 30th of this year, on the eve of World AIDS Day, MP act This is a call for the world to rethink HIV activism, not as a fight fueled by fear and tragedy, but as one defined by agency, sexuality, immigration, and, yes, joy.
“Courage gives us hope,” Garner said. “When we show courage, we remind the world that our lives matter. That’s the beginning of change.”
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
