Free to Be True (2018)

As sexually transmitted diseases hit a record high-level in the U.S., according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a growing need for an open and positive dialogue about sexual health. This prompted AltaMed Health Services, the nation's largest federally qualified community health centers, to develop its "Free to Be" campaign working with Kavich Reynolds Productions to normalize discussions on sexual health and improve awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with an emphasis on syphilis and treatment. The campaign specifically aims to reach young Black and Latino gay and bisexual men, who are disproportionately affected by STDs and new HIV diagnoses. A first-of-its-kind, the "Free to Be" campaign is inclusive of gay men of color to normalize and de-stigmatize same sex relationships, while creating an open dialogue on STD prevention. Showcasing a variety of same sex relationships, from intimate relationships to casual hook-ups, "Free to Be" uses short videos that reflect real-life scenarios and experiences of young Black and Latino gay and bisexual men, while incorporating messages on safe-sex practices to help reduce the risk of STD infection.