The Equality Spotlight Episode 2: ‘Besos Sidosos’ and Bonus Interview Content from Our Partners

Welcome back to The Equality Spotlight, our new video series highlighting the incredible work being done by Grindr for Equality and LGBTQ+ organizations and activists around the world.

This week, we’re excited to present our newest episode, “Besos Sidosos: Kissing Stigma Away,” which reintroduces the activism behind the Besotón in Mexico. In this episode, we shine a light on how a simple-yet-powerful display of public affection—kissing—combats HIV stigma, reclaims queer sexuality, and promotes sex positivity within our community.

Below is a bonus interview featuring Axel Bautista, Community Engagement Manager at MPact and one of the key figures behind the Besotón.

What was happening in Mexico that made the Besotón feel both timely and necessary?

“I think Mexico and Mexico City in particular have gone through a really interesting political process, especially around LGBTQ activism and HIV. There was a huge need to do something new, because a lot of us who were recently diagnosed saw a lack of representation—like a lack of many things we felt were missing. Organizations like Inspira, where I worked, and MPact, where I am now, came together and said, ‘Okay, this is the right time. Let’s do something beyond the normal December 1st events.’ We wanted to bring the community aspect back, specifically celebrating sex and sexuality, which are always forgotten in these formal talks or conferences.”

Why organize a mass kiss-in on World AIDS Day?

“For us, the main objective of the Besotón was to publicly demonstrate the sexuality and pleasure of people living with HIV. It was an act of resistance—like something revolutionary. We wanted to be shameless and fearless about our sexuality, to show that we have the right to sex as people living with HIV. We never expected it to become a huge movement. But once we saw everyone celebrating, being very sexy and even horny in public, we realized we were tapping into something bigger. We were reclaiming a space that most people want to deny us.”

In January, a political figure in Mexico shared footage of the Besotón. How did that impact you?

“Suddenly my phone was blowing up with notifications on Twitter. This politician posted hateful comments about the Besotón, and then a really rich businessman retweeted it, adding even more hate. It could have been scary, but in the end it amplified us. More media outlets covered it, and our own community started defending the Besotón, replying with the real facts about HIV. So that backlash reopened the conversation in a positive way, even though it came from hate.”

Why isn’t correcting facts enough when confronting harmful stereotypes about HIV?

“Yes, we absolutely need to share the real science—like U=U and how HIV is transmitted. But misinformation is rooted in stigma and prejudice. The more powerful approach is to increase visibility and be unapologetically ourselves. That’s how we confront fear at its source. You can present all the evidence, but if people see a confident, happy, HIV-positive person, it destroys the lies much faster.”

You mentioned the Besotón really belongs to everyone. Could you explain that?

“When people think of a protest, they imagine one leader. But the reality is, movements like these belong to all the folks who show up. It’s not about me or any single organization. HIV has so many faces, it’s very diverse. By collaborating with different NGOs, local groups, and even individuals, we amplify voices that might not be heard otherwise. That’s how it grows beyond one city or event—it’s truly collective.”

Why focus so strongly on sex positivity and pleasure in an HIV protest?

“Because celebrating sexuality and queer pleasure when you’re living with HIV is liberating—it’s powerful. Society so often wants us to feel shame, or to focus on not transmitting the virus. But I refuse to let my life be defined only by medical or risk-based narratives. Enjoying sex, kissing publicly, and being visible shows we’re still here, loving ourselves, and that is the strongest form of resistance I can think of.”

What has proven most effective in eroding HIV stigma where you live?

“Honestly, it’s about being open and visible. Yes, facts matter—we have to say a kiss doesn’t transmit the virus, or that medication can make us undetectable. But more than data, it’s about showing our normal, happy, complicated, queer lives—letting people see we have good days, bad days, relationships, dreams. Once HIV-positive folks step into the light, stigma loses its power because we become real human beings, not headlines.”

You juggle heavy activism with ordinary life. How do you avoid burnout?

“I rely on friends, family, and my community. My parents support me, which is amazing, and I try not to let activism consume everything. HIV is part of my life, but it doesn’t deserve all my energy. The virus doesn’t get to define everything I do. I need to live. I need to be happy. I need to celebrate myself.”

Where do you see the Besotón going from here?

“We’ll keep repeating it every year in Mexico City, but also in other places like Guadalajara and maybe beyond. If people in different cities or even countries want to host their own, they should. MPact is also doing workshops in the U.S. now, focusing on Latinx communities living with HIV. I’m excited to keep exploring podcasts or writing projects that center pleasure, sex, and empowerment. At the end of the day, I want to show that joy and sexuality can be part of how we fight stigma, wherever we are.”

‍

‍