LUMINATE
Luminate is a cohort-based program designed to equip communities with resources that empower their lives, build their communities, and provide an opportunity for community outreach, the reduction of HIV transmission, and ecosystem development.
Supported by grant funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. has had no input into the development or content of these materials.
Cohort and Community
Luminate will convene cohorts that will develop programming and resources to help end the epidemic of HIV while engaging their social networks, elected officials, and each other through innovative, exciting, and co-curated experiences. Scroll down to learn more or apply by clicking the button below.
HIV Testing
We will offer free screenings for HIV Testing. Each person completing an HIV Test will have a $25 incentive on behalf of generous support from a grant from Bunnies on the Bayou.
Get your incentivized text by clicking the button below.
Currently Enrolling:
Matriarchy
Our third cohort of LUMINATE centers women of color and focuses on cultivating autonomy, pleasure, power, and movement building within our communities. Through wellness activations, peer support, HIV education, and resource sharing, participants will build the tools needed to care for themselves and one another while challenging stigma and strengthening community.
Participation requires full attendance at the weekend retreat (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, April 10–12), ambassador training, and volunteer engagement.
This opportunity is open to women of color across the gender spectrum.
Matriarchy Timeline
Applications Open
Applications will open on March 10, 2026, and will stay open until March 20, 2026. Applicants should reside in Houston, Texas, and be able to commit to an in-person program over the first six months of the year.
Retreat
The weekend retreat will include wellness activities led by women of color, along with sexual health education that encourages deeper conversations about pleasure, autonomy, and expansive understandings of womanhood.Cohort participants will also be prepared to participate in a digital media project.
Final Project
The cohort will apply the knowledge gained to create a digital media project in the form of a commercial that amplifies representation and unity across the diverse voices of women. The project will encourage women to pursue wellness and health through holistic approaches, particularly uplifting those at the margins.
Each cohort member will receive $250 for participation in the program.
Emerging Ambassadors
Each participant will receive training, peer support, HIV education, and sisterhood through community engagement during the retreat. Participants will also be developed as ambassadors who can carry forward and share the knowledge and lessons learned within their communities.