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Broadway Stars Javier Muñoz and Peppermint Rally Congress to Protect HIV Funding
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On September 3, 2025, Broadway actors Javier Muñoz and Peppermint brought urgent attention to the halls of Congress, advocating to maintain and expand federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs. Their message, delivered directly to lawmakers, underscored the potentially devastating consequences of proposed budget cuts for LGBTQ+ communities and individuals living with HIV. Their efforts reflect a growing movement among artists, activists, and health professionals concerned about the future of HIV care in the United States, as legislative threats loom over decades of hard-won progress .
Federal HIV/AIDS funding in the United States underpins a network of prevention, care, and treatment initiatives that have dramatically improved outcomes for millions over the past four decades. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and other llifesaving initiatives such as the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS have provided lifelines, especially for marginalized populations including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, who have historically been disproportionately affected by the epidemic .
Despite scientific advances and greater public awareness, persistent disparities remain. Black and Latinx gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and people experiencing homelessness continue to face higher rates of HIV infection and barriers to care . The ongoing need for comprehensive, publicly funded health services is acute, making the actors’ Congressional visit both timely and necessary.
Javier Muñoz, best known for his role as Alexander Hamilton in Broadway’s "Hamilton" and for his advocacy as a person living with HIV, partnered with Peppermint, an acclaimed performer and activist, to meet with members of Congress. Their mission: to put a human face on HIV, share lived experiences, and remind lawmakers that funding decisions have life-or-death consequences .
During their visit, Muñoz and Peppermint conveyed a stark warning: “We will be back to HIV wards,” should federal support be reduced. Their remarks referenced the grim reality of the early HIV/AIDS crisis, when underfunded hospitals and clinics struggled to meet the overwhelming needs of patients, many of whom were LGBTQ+ . The performers stressed that the threat is not theoretical; recent proposals to cut funding could leave thousands without access to critical medication, prevention services, and support.
Congressional debates over the federal budget have placed HIV/AIDS programs at risk. Some lawmakers have proposed significant reductions to public health spending, including funding for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Advocates warn these cuts could disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ communities, exacerbate existing disparities, and reverse progress toward ending the epidemic.
Muñoz and Peppermint’s advocacy is part of a larger mobilization by LGBTQ+ organizations, healthcare professionals, and allies. Groups such as the National Minority AIDS Council, Human Rights Campaign, and AIDS United have issued calls to action, urging constituents to contact their representatives and defend HIV/AIDS funding .
By sharing their personal journeys, Muñoz and Peppermint illuminate why continued investment is vital. Muñoz has spoken openly about his diagnosis and the lifesaving impact of antiretroviral therapy made possible through public programs. Peppermint, a trailblazing Black transgender woman and performer, has highlighted the barriers faced by trans people seeking affirming health care and HIV prevention services .
Their visibility challenges stigma and encourages others living with HIV to advocate for themselves and their communities. As Peppermint told The Advocate, “We’re here to show that HIV is not just statistics. It’s our lives, our futures. We cannot allow Congress to ignore that reality.”
