On November 30, queer activists will gather at Friendship Park along the U.S.-Mexico border for the third annual Besoton Sidoso Internacional, also known as the International HIV Kiss-In. The event, organized by MPact Global, serves as both a protest and a celebration, amplifying the visibility and dignity of queer migrants and people living with HIV.
A Kiss as Protest
The demonstration will take place the day before World AIDS Day, bringing together participants from both sides of the border. The symbolic act, a public kiss between two HIV-positive men, embodies defiance against stigma and injustice.
“The Besoton Sidoso Internacional is a demonstration that people living with HIV are fearless and shameless,” said Andrew Spieldenner, executive director of MPact Global. “This event is about standing up for those denied treatment, safety, and dignity, and ensuring the world sees the humanity and strength of queer migrants and people living with HIV.”
Bridging Borders and Breaking Stigma
MPact Global, a nonprofit advancing queer health and human rights worldwide, launched the event to challenge systemic barriers facing queer migrants and those living with HIV. This year’s gathering will unite activists, HIV-positive individuals, and community allies from both nations, highlighting solidarity that transcends borders.
Participants will call attention to ongoing human rights violations and health inequities impacting migrants, especially those in detention centers. Many queer detainees face stigma, violence, and inconsistent access to vital medication, conditions that can have deadly consequences.
“Queer migrants living with HIV continue to experience systemic neglect and discrimination,” Spieldenner said. “Our presence at the border is a reminder that their lives matter.”
The Fight Continues
Nearly 45 years after the start of the HIV epidemic, gay and bisexual men remain disproportionately affected in both the U.S. and Mexico. For many living with HIV, particularly queer migrants, the fight for healthcare, safety, and recognition is ongoing.
“I’ve been living with HIV for over 30 years,” said Alex Garner, MPact’s senior director of strategic initiatives and communications. “Our sexuality, community, and freedom of expression are central to our fight for justice. Standing at the border with others who share this experience is an act of love and resistance.”
Visibility as Courage
For many participants in Tijuana, where living openly with HIV remains dangerous, attending the event is an act of profound bravery. The Kiss-In is not only a statement of resilience but also a public declaration that queer people living with HIV deserve safety and celebration.
The annual demonstration continues to expand its reach, reinforcing that visibility remains a powerful form of activism. Each kiss shared across the border represents a demand for equality and a future where no one is forced to hide who they are, or the virus they live with.
For more information on the Besoton Sidoso Internacional / International HIV Kiss-In, visit mpactglobal.org
