Tristan Schukraft, Founder and CEO of MISTR, turned The Abbey into a glittering hub of community, music, and activism on October 9, 2025, for the inaugural National PrEP Day Blue Carpet Countdown. The event, hosted by Bob the Drag Queen and Schukraft, kicked off the first-ever National PrEP Day, a campaign aiming to enroll 10,000 new people on PrEP in just 10 days.
“Last night was glitter, drag, Dua Lipa, Diplo, and pure joy, and it was history,” Schukraft said. “National PrEP Day is bigger than a party. It was community, sex positivity, and healthcare all in one room. When we come together without shame, we can save lives and finally put an end to HIV.”
Behind the Vision
Schukraft reflected on the months of planning that brought the first National PrEP Day to life.
“A lot of planning went into this. We are in 15 cities tonight kicking off the first National PrEP Day, and it all accumulates here at The Abbey,” he said. “It’s amazing to have so many people in the community, activists, and star power celebrating PrEP. It’s something we haven’t celebrated before, and it’s such an important cause.”
Acquiring The Abbey two years ago was part of Schukraft’s mission to preserve historic LGBTQ+ institutions. “Two years ago I acquired The Abbey and got into preserving gay institutions. MISTR started six years ago with the idea that for the first time in a generation, we can actually eliminate HIV—if everybody who’s negative is on PrEP and those who are positive are suppressed. That’s what drives me every day.”
When asked if he ever has a “pinch me” moment, he laughed: “I never have a free moment, no. But seeing this all come together: MISTR, the Abbey, National PrEP Day, this is why I do what I do. It’s beyond rewarding.”
Celebrating Health With Drag and Stars
The Blue Carpet event featured spectacular performances from drag royalty paying tribute to Dua Lipa: Symone (Break My Heart), Aquaria (Physical), Trinity the Tuck (Training Season), Shea Couleé (Levitating), and Plastique Tiara (Dance the Night). The tribute reached its peak when Dua Lipa herself appeared for a surprise set, performing New Rules, Don’t Start Now, and Houdini alongside dancers and drag performers.
The celebration continued with Diplo keeping the dance floor packed and an after-party featuring SG Lewis. A host of celebrities attended, including Cardi B, Omar Apollo, Matt Bomer, Kim Petras, Todrick Hall, Tom Daley, Nene Leakes, TS Madison, Jake Jonez, Colton Haynes, Sam Asghari, Tamar Braxton, Colton Underwood, Cooper Koch, Jonathan Bennett, David Furnish, Bianca del Rio, Alyssa Edwards, and Willam.
Cardi B voiced her support: “Sexual health should be easy and zero shame. That’s why I’m rocking with MISTR & SISTR! Even if you don’t have insurance, it’s free! Safe, smart, and for the community.” Demi Lovato also surprised fans with a DJ booth cameo to debut her new single, Kiss, while Kim Petras danced along with Joey with the Mustache to Freak It.
Making HIV Prevention Visible
National PrEP Day is more than a celebration, it’s a movement. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and DoxyPEP provide next-level protection against HIV and bacterial STIs, and MISTR and SISTR make them accessible at no cost, including long-acting injectable PrEP in key LGBTQ+ neighborhoods.
Schukraft stressed the urgency: “For the first time, we’re making HIV prevention visible, stigma-free, and accessible. If we reach 10,000 new people on PrEP in 10 days, we’re taking a huge step toward ending HIV.”
Learn More & Sign Up:
- Free PrEP & DoxyPEP: mistr.com
- Long-acting injectable PrEP: mistr.com/yeztugo
- National PrEP Day events: NationalPrEPDay.com
