Dua Lipa, Drag Icons Shine at The Abbey for Star-Studded National PrEP Day Kickoff

Last night, The Abbey transformed into ground zero for a historic moment in LGBTQ+ health advocacy as MISTR kicked off the first-ever National PrEP Day with a star-studded celebration aimed at enrolling 10,000 new people on PrEP in just 10 days.

Hosted by Bob the Drag Queen alongside MISTR CEO Tristan Schukraft, the event blended music, performance, and purpose into one unforgettable evening. With the mission to help end HIV transmission in the U.S., the kickoff sent a powerful message: when community and visibility unite, change happens.

“This wasn’t just a party—it was purpose in action,” said Schukraft after the event. “We brought together drag brilliance, music icons, and our community to say, loudly and proudly, that HIV prevention is here, it’s free, and it matters.”

The Blue Carpet Became a Celebration

The night started with a glamorous blue carpet, welcoming a parade of celebrities, influencers, and activists. From red carpet favorites to queer trailblazers, the message was clear: National PrEP Day belongs to everyone.

Inside, The Abbey pulsed with energy as drag icons lit up the stage with a Dua Lipa tribute extravaganza. Performances included:

• Symone channeling “Break My Heart”

• Aquaria bringing high-octane flair to “Physical”

• Trinity the Tuck commanding attention with “Training Season”

• Shea Couleé elevating the room with “Levitating”

• Plastique Tiara delivering a dazzling “Dance the Night”

The drag all-stars then united for a group performance that sent the room into a frenzy—only to be topped moments later by a surprise appearance from Dua Lipa herself.

Taking the stage amid cheers, Dua stunned the crowd with live renditions of “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Houdini,” turning the moment into a full-circle tribute to her own influence on pop and queer culture.

Countdown to Change

As the East Coast struck midnight, signaling the official start of National PrEP Day, the venue erupted in confetti, glitter, and cheers. Diplo took over the turntables, followed by a surprise DJ set from SG Lewis, keeping the energy high well into the early morning.

A 10-Day National Campaign Begins

The kickoff event also marked the start of a 10-day national digital campaign from MISTR and its sister platform SISTR. Beginning October 1, the campaign has been rolling out daily social media PSAs featuring LGBTQ+ and allied voices. The goal: normalize and amplify access to PrEP, a once-daily pill that prevents HIV transmission.

The campaign isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. MISTR and SISTR are working to enroll 10,000 new individuals on PrEP by October 20, offering free, insurance-free access to the medication and telehealth services in all 50 states.

Celebrity Support and Surprise Moments

From the dance floor to the DJ booth, celebrities showed up and spoke out. Cardi B, spotted dancing with the MISTR team, lent her voice to the cause: “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 surprised partygoers by jumping into the DJ booth during Diplo’s set to debut her new single, “Kiss.”Moments later, Kim Petras was seen living her best life as Joey with the Mustache dropped her track “Freak It.”

The night’s guest list read like a who’s who of pop culture and queer icons, with appearances by Matt Bomer, Omar Apollo, Kim Petras, Todrick Hall, TS Madison, Cardi B, Demi Lovato, Tom Daley, Cynthia Bailey, Nene Leakes, Zane Phillips, Jake Jonez, Colton Haynes, Sam Asghari, Tamar Braxton, Colton Underwood, Cooper Koch, Jonathan Bennett, David Furnish, Bianca Del Rio, Alyssa Edwards, Willam, and many others.

A Movement Starts in West Hollywood

For many in attendance, the night wasn’t just another party—it was a turning point.

In the heart of West Hollywood, a community gathered not only to celebrate, but to take real, actionable steps toward ending HIV. With music, drag, celebrity support, and a shared mission, National PrEP Day launched as more than a campaign—it became a movement.