An Unforgettable "Too Hot for July" Brings Community, Entertainment, and Free HIV Testing to Pittsburgh

Performers on stage at Too Hot for July, including Hazell Azzer Carpenter-Saunders, forefront center, AIDS Free Pittsburgh’s community outreach and engagement coordinator.

On May 30, AIDS Free Pittsburgh (AFP) and True T PGH hosted the sixth annual Too Hot for July, drawing a vibrant crowd of over 2,000 community members to celebrate and promote HIV awareness and prevention. More than a health fair, Too Hot for July is a space for community and collaborative members to gather, celebrate, and support one another. Held for the first time in Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side, this spirit of solidarity, resilience, and joy that Too Hot for July brings is essential to the efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

The highlight of the evening was a powerful performance by Tony Award winner Alex Newell, known for their groundbreaking role in GLEE and recent accolades in Broadway's "Shucked." Rian Louis, Wadria Taylor, and Joey Young brought the energy as hosts, while DJ sets by Huny XO, Maya Universe, and Pillz Doe and performances from local talents like Reverend Deryck Tines, 412 Step, and the TAG Collective kept the party going. Six contestants from the public brought home awards for their passion and talent in ballroom-inspired performances and runway battles.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of food trucks, and lawn games by Hugh Lane Wellness added to the festive atmosphere. In the marketplace, dozens of local, minority-owned businesses and creatives sold their wares including: 9 Cafe, Bad B*tch Thriftin, BareBush Co, Clover Hare, Cutie Cups Bakery, Evil Toaster Art, Fussy Louise Jewelry, Handmade Line, Hopemade Jewelry, Junk Drawer Prints, Made By Diana 23, Maximus Leather Works, Nx LVB3L, Unique Jewelry and Willie Gees.

Beyond the dazzling performances and festivities, community partner agencies provided free, confidential HIV/STI testing, hepatitis testing, mpox vaccines, and other health resources. These essential services ensured that attendees could take charge of their health in a supportive and stigma-free environment. AFP is grateful to AHN Positive Health Clinic, Allies for Health + Wellbeing, Metro Community Health Center, Macedonia FACE, and the Allegheny County Health Department for their efforts to address ongoing HIV-related health disparities in Allegheny County.

Trailblazer and Tony award-winning artist Alex Newell performs at Too Hot for July.

Too Hot for July 2024 demonstrated the power of community collaboration in the fight against HIV. AIDS Free Pittsburgh extends our sincere thanks to our funders, sponsors, partners, and health fair organizations: True T Pgh, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, Allegheny Singer Research Institute (AHN), UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Allies for Health + Wellbeing, Metro Community Health Center, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, UPMC Pittsburgh Area Center for Treatment, Highmark Wholecare, Pittsburgh Pirates, Maitri Medicinals, Yellow Bridge Digital, Flyspace Productions, Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender, Allegheny Reproductive Health Center, Black Liberation Autonomous Collective, Center for Community Resources, Cure Violence East, Disability Pride Pennsylvania, Highmark Wholecare, Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Human Services Center Mon Valley, Just Health Collaborative, Locally Served, Next Gen America, Pitt Men's Study, North Side Christian Health Center, Persad Center, Pitt Clinical Research Site, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Pittsburgh Pride Group, Planned Parenthood of Western PA, Prevention Point Pittsburgh, Primary Care Health Services, Shepherd Wellness Community, The AUTOnomous Body Shop, The Open Door Unity Recovery, and WAMO.

Visit TooHotForJuly.com to find more information about the event and check out more photos from the event here.