From “1, 2 Step” to “1, 2 PrEP”: Ciara is on a Mission to Make HIV Awareness “Cool” – BlackDoctor

Grammy-winning singer Ciara is no stranger to health advocacy. From championing cervical cancer awareness to encouraging Black women to prioritize nutrition and fitness, she has long been vocal about proactive wellness. She has even been candid about her personal journey, including her decision to practice abstinence before marrying Russell Wilson in 2016. Now, the global superstar is turning her focus toward HIV prevention—and for the first time, she is lending her music to the cause.

The Power of a Remix

Earlier this year, Ciara’s iconic hit “1, 2 Step” was reimagined as “1, 2 PrEP” as part of a national campaign. The initiative raises awareness for long-acting HIV prevention options, including Yeztugo, the first-ever approved twice-yearly PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

At a recent SXSW panel hosted by Gilead Sciences, Ciara joined HIV advocate Dr. Leo Moore and famed radio personality Loren LoRosa for a conversation exploring how music and culture can dismantle the barriers surrounding HIV prevention.

“Being part of this conversation with Gilead at SXSW is really meaningful to me because I believe music, culture, and media can help spark new and important conversations about health. If using my platform helps break down barriers and encourages people to talk to their providers about their HIV prevention options, then that’s incredibly powerful,” she says.

RELATED: The First Twice-Yearly Tool to Prevent HIV Holds Promise for Black & Brown Communities

Breaking the Silence

Ciara hopes that by using her platform, she can encourage more people—particularly within the Black community—to engage with their healthcare providers. Despite the medical advancements available, HIV continues to disproportionately impact women and underserved communities.

In 2024, AIDSVu reported that while roughly 600,000 people in the U.S. used some form of PrEP, the CDC estimates that up to 2.2 million individuals could potentially benefit from these preventive medications. For Ciara, the decision to use her most “precious” work for this cause was a matter of impact.

“I’ve always been so precious about ‘1, 2 Step’ in particular. There are some samples you just can’t let them just go anywhere,” she says. “I have to give the Gilead team great props. I’m like, who thought of this idea, taking my song, ‘1, 2 Step’ and go 1, 2 PrEP? This is pretty brilliant! That’s the power of music. It really has the power to influence, to shape culture, to inspire, to encourage, to uplift, and in this case, to also educate and inform. There are so many boxes that we were able to check off by using my song in this form, and I’m really proud of that.”

Trusted Messengers

Dr. Moore, a public health leader and member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), believes Ciara’s involvement provides a necessary bridge to the community.

“I go back to the first time I heard the commercial, the 1,2 PrEP commercial, and how in my mind, I thought where I was when I first heard the song, ‘1,2 Step’ and thinking wow, now you’re watching the commercial, you’re hearing that song, you’re going back in your mind, the nostalgia you feel, and also the connection that you feel to an artist that you’ve known about for a long time. That’s why I think having trusted messengers like Ciara be involved in this conversation helps to break down barriers and helps people to have an open mind to the information that they’re receiving,” Dr. Moore explains.

The statistics remain a sobering reminder of why this work is personal. Black women account for half of all new HIV cases diagnosed among women—a fact Ciara found staggering.

“I didn’t know that, to be honest, it was very eye-opening for me,” Ciara added. “I don’t think people really know, so being able to raise awareness and get this word out through music is really important for me, and I’m excited I get to do it.”

Normalizing the Conversation

Dr. Moore notes that the biggest hurdles are often myths and a lack of perceived risk. “A lot of people still think that HIV can be spread through hugs, through kisses, through touch. We definitely need to dispel that myth,” he says.

“Your sexual health is your responsibility. So regardless of who you’re with, if you’re single, in a relationship, knowing your status is important, also knowing about the different HIV prevention options that are available to you, from condoms to knowing about PrEP,” Moore says.

The data backs up this urgent need for awareness:

• Only 9% of PrEP users in 2024 were women, even though they accounted for 19% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States.
• Only 14% of PrEP users in 2024 were Black and 18% were Latino, even though Black and Latino communities made up 38% and 34% of new HIV cases in the prior year, respectively.

Ciara is now focused on making health conversations “cool” again, treating her own wellness as an “evolving door.”

“The confidence I feel being aware and being able to empower myself, educate myself about my healthcare, or my overall wellness is huge.”

Taking Control of Your Sexual Health

If you are inspired by Ciara’s message, here are actionable steps you can take to stay proactive:

• Know Your Status: Regular testing is the first step in any wellness journey. Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions about your health and your partners.
• Start the Conversation: Don’t wait for your doctor to bring it up. Ask specifically: “Am I a good candidate for PrEP?” or “What are my options for long-acting HIV prevention?”
• Research “Long-Acting” Options: If taking a daily pill is a barrier for you, ask your provider about newer, long-acting options (such as injections) that only require treatment a few times a year.
• Address the Stigma: Remember that taking PrEP is a proactive health choice, similar to taking vitamins or using birth control. It is a tool for empowerment, not a reason for shame.
• Utilize Support Resources: Many programs exist to help cover the cost of PrEP. If you are concerned about insurance or affordability, ask your clinic about manufacturer co-pay cards.