Tag: Mistr

Kesha’s ‘Tits Out’ Tour Took Over NYC and the MISTR After Party Was Even Wilder

Kesha lit up New York City with a magnetic, no-holds-barred performance at Madison Square Garden on July 23, bringing her “Tits Out” Tour to a glitter-drenched climax in support of her sixth studio album, Period.

The high-energy night was more than just a concert, it was a raucous, rainbow-colored spectacle of resilience, freedom, and sweaty, euphoric dancing. And if fans thought the chaos ended with the encore, they were mistaken: the real showstopper came at the after party.

An Unforgettable Night at Madison Square Garden

Kesha’s set was an unrelenting two-hour thrill ride packed with hits, deep cuts, and the kind of theatrical flair that only she can deliver. Backed by support from Scissor Sisters and a surprise appearance by the Vengaboys, Madison Square Garden transformed into a full-blown queer dance rave for one night only.

With confetti, lasers, and costume changes galore, Kesha belted out fan favorites like “TiK ToK,” “Blow,” and “We R Who We R” alongside raw, new anthems from Period, an album that marks her most personal and creatively liberated work to date. Every track was a declaration of self-love, artistic autonomy, and emotional catharsis.

A Condom Top and a Cause

While the MSG show was electric, the after party made headlines of its own. Kesha arrived at the official post-show bash at Madison Square Garden wearing a top made entirely of gold MAGNUM condoms. Yes, really.

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The after party, hosted by MISTR, a leading telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, DoxyPEP, and HIV care, was a bold celebration of sexual wellness and queer liberation. Kesha posed with the MISTR Boys in front of oversized PrEP pills and branded band-aids, highlighting injectable PrEP in the most dazzling way possible.

More than a stunt, the moment doubled as a message. With the support of MISTR CEO Tristan Schukraft, Kesha turned the event into a playful but powerful visual PSA about health, pleasure, and taking control, something that mirrors the themes of Period itself.

MISTR CEO, Tristan Schukraft, and Kesha at the ‘Tits Out’ Tour After Party in NYC. Photo: MISTR

Party With a Purpose

The “Tits Out” Tour has been lauded for its immersive, chaotic energy and community-driven vibe. Fans don’t just watch the show, they become part of it, singing, sweating, and screaming through every beat. Kesha has created an experience that feels like a liberation ritual, and her NYC stop was a shining example of why this tour is so much more than a nostalgia trip.

It’s camp. It’s catharsis. It’s condoms and confetti. And at the heart of it all, it’s Kesha, finally in full control, and looking damn good doing it.

July 25, 2025
Fire Island ‘Invasion’ Turns 50: Drag Royalty, Pool Parties, and a Tryst-Fueled Celebration for the Ages
One of the most iconic queer celebrations in the country just hit a major milestone, and did it in full glam. Fire Island’s beloved July 4th tradition, The Invasion of the Pines, turned 50 this year, and Tryst Hospitality made sure the celebration was nothing short of legendary.

A Waterfront Takeover Worthy of Drag History

The day-long extravaganza stretched across the famed Fire Island Pines waterfront, including The Pavilion, The Blue Whale, The Canteen, and the sun-soaked Tryst Pool Deck. Orchestrated by Tristan Schukraft, CEO of MISTR and Tryst Hotels, the celebration honored the legacy of the Invasion while offering a preview of what’s to come with the highly anticipated debut of The Tryst Fire Island hotel.

And let’s be clear: this wasn’t just any party. This was a drag-studded spectacle befitting half a century of protest, pageantry, and pride.

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Drag Queens From Around the Tryst Universe

Tryst Hospitality brought in queens from its glittering properties around the world, delivering a truly international showcase of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The lineup included:
- Mayhem Miller from The Abbey in West Hollywood
- Misty Violet from The Chapel at The Abbey
- Alyssa Hunter and Amalara Sofia from The Tryst San Juan
- Pelayo from The Tryst Puerto Vallarta
- Pixie Aventura, a Fire Island regular at The Pavilion and The Blue Whale
Leading the charge? None other than Panzi, the living legend who kicked off the very first Invasion back in 1976. With a microphone in hand and a legacy behind her, Panzi announced each queen’s arrival as ferry after ferry pulled into the harbor, delivering drag excellence by the boatload.

What started five decades ago as a response to a drag queen being denied service in the Pines has become one of queer culture’s most enduring acts of protest and joy. The Invasion continues to blend satire, spectacle, and resilience—and this year, it was bigger than ever.

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Post-Invasion Pool Party and DJ Beats? Naturally.

The festivities didn’t end at the harbor. After the queens landed, it was time to head to The Tryst Pool Deck, where Violet Chachki brought her signature high-fashion edge to the post-Invasion pool party. From there, guests danced their way through Low Tea, High Tea, and a night of immaculate galavanting, with the Waterfront becoming a full-on runway of late-night revelry.

Throughout the day, drag icon Willam Belli was on the scene, capturing the best moments for @thepinesfireisland and giving fans an insider’s look at this once-in-a-generation celebration.

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for Tryst Hospitality

Looking Ahead: The Tryst Era

With The Tryst Fire Island hotel on the horizon, Schukraft and team made it clear that this was more than a party, it was a promise. A new era of queer luxury, celebration, and community is on its way to Fire Island.

After 50 years, the Invasion shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s evolving, just like the community it celebrates.
July 6, 2025
Supreme Court Protects Free PrEP Access in Major Win for LGBTQ+ and Public Health

In a landmark decision on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld no-cost preventive health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring medications like PrEP remain accessible, and free, to millions, including LGBTQ+ communities who rely on it for HIV prevention.

The 6–3 decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood affirms the constitutionality of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the body responsible for recommending what health care services insurers must cover without out-of-pocket costs. Had the court ruled otherwise, access to critical screenings and HIV prevention tools like PrEP could have been severely jeopardized.

What Was at Stake?

The case stemmed from a lawsuit brought by Christian-owned businesses who objected to covering PrEP, the daily pill proven to prevent HIV, on religious grounds. The plaintiffs claimed that the task force’s structure violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and that offering PrEP without cost-sharing facilitated what they described as “homosexual behavior.”

Cue the collective eye-roll.

They argued that task force members were improperly appointed and therefore couldn’t constitutionally require health insurers to cover services like PrEP. Lower courts initially sided with the plaintiffs, putting PrEP coverage at risk across the country. But on Friday, the high court reversed those decisions, effectively saying: not so fast.

Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated that task force members are “inferior officers” who are properly supervised and appointed under current law. In short: the structure stands, and so do the protections.

MISTR CEO Tristan Schukraft: “This Is a Huge Win”

Among those celebrating the decision is Tristan Schukraft, CEO of MISTR, the largest telehealth provider of free PrEP and HIV care in the United States. MISTR currently serves over half a million users nationwide, including 1 in 5 PrEP users in the country.

In a statement to Gayety, Schukraft applauded the ruling:

“Today’s decision is a major win for everyone who depends on preventive care to stay healthy and HIV-free. At MISTR, we’ve always believed sexual healthcare should be easy, stigma-free, and accessible to all — and this ruling helps protect that vision. Patients will still face challenges accessing care and our commitment doesn’t change: MISTR continues to provide free PrEP, DoxyPEP, STI testing, and HIV care. We handle the insurance, the paperwork, and the barriers — so you don’t have to.”

The ruling allows MISTR and other providers to continue offering zero-cost prevention options, removing one more hurdle between patients and the care they deserve.

ACA’s Preventive Services Live to See Another Day

The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, requires insurers and group health plans to provide access to services recommended by the task force without co-pays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing measures. This includes not only PrEP, but also screenings for cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as diabetes management and medications that reduce heart disease risk.

Advocacy groups warned that a ruling against the task force could have had far-reaching consequences, dissuading people from accessing preventive care due to rising costs, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, who are already disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers in health care.

Strange Bedfellows: Biden and Trump Agreed (Sort Of)

In a rare twist, both the Biden and Trump administrations defended the structure of the task force, albeit for different reasons. Legal wrangling aside, the result means patients won’t lose access to essential services that could catch cancer early or prevent HIV altogether.

While this ruling is cause for celebration, health advocates warn the fight isn’t over. Lawsuits targeting LGBTQ+ access to health care and bodily autonomy continue to flood the courts, and organizations like MISTR remain on the frontlines.

Still, Friday’s decision marks a meaningful, and hard-fought, moment of relief.

June 30, 2025
Lenacapavir Approved as MISTR Launches Twice-Yearly Injectable PrEP Nationwide
A new era in HIV prevention is officially here. With the FDA’s recent approval of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable PrEP that requires only two doses per year, MISTR is stepping up as the first nationwide platform ready to deliver it at scale, free of charge and free of red tape.

For those unfamiliar with the name, Lenacapavir (to be marketed as Yeztugo) is a long-acting injectable treatment that offers up to 99% protection against HIV with just two subcutaneous shots per year. That’s not only a medical breakthrough, it’s a lifestyle shift for thousands who find daily or bi-monthly PrEP regimens burdensome.

“Lenacapavir is a true game-changer,” said Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of MISTR. “It’s discreet, easy, and built for real life. That simplicity means more people can actually stay on PrEP, especially those who’ve struggled with adherence in the past.”

Tristan Schukraft. Photo: Presley Ann/Getty Images

Why Lenacapavir Is a Big Deal

Unlike previous injectables, Lenacapavir is administered subcutaneously, in the belly fat, rather than through painful intramuscular shots. The reduced discomfort, combined with the ultra-low frequency of injections, makes it a highly accessible option for individuals who face barriers like unstable housing, stigma, or limited access to consistent care.

“For people dealing with stigma or unstable healthcare access, two shots a year can literally mean the difference between protection and risk,” Schukraft said. “And if you get it from MISTR, it’s completely free.”

MISTR’s “No Barriers” Model

MISTR is uniquely positioned to lead the Lenacapavir rollout thanks to its hybrid model, a fusion of nationwide telehealth access and localized in-person care. The platform operates storefronts in seven major LGBTQ+ neighborhoods:
- West Hollywood (Los Angeles)
- The Castro (San Francisco)
- Hell’s Kitchen (New York City)
- Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale)
- Northalsted (Chicago)
- Oaklawn (Dallas)
- Las Vegas
For patients outside these hubs, MISTR has activated a network of 65+ community-based providers to ensure national coverage. But accessibility isn’t just geographic, it’s financial, too.

“We’re the only national telehealth platform that makes PrEP completely free for uninsured patients,” Schukraft explained. “About 70% of our patients are insured, and when they get their PrEP through us, they help cover the cost for the 30% who aren’t. It’s care that pays it forward.”

Even for insured individuals, there are no co-pays, no surprise bills, and no paperwork headaches. MISTR takes care of everything: eligibility, lab work, doctor visits, scheduling, and follow-ups, all free and confidential.

Filling the Gaps Public Health Leaves Behind

As public health budgets face increasing cuts, MISTR is proving that private platforms can step in where the system falls short.

“With public programs under attack, we’ve shown it’s possible to serve over half a million people, without billing the government or the patient, and to do it faster and more equitably,” said Schukraft. “The healthcare system is broken for too many. We didn’t wait for it to be fixed, we built something better.”

And with Lenacapavir now in the mix, that “better” solution is evolving even further. MISTR expects to begin offering the injectable PrEP option shortly and encourages interested patients to visit mistr.com to sign up.

“Ending HIV is absolutely possible in the next few years,” Schukraft said. “But only if we get more people on PrEP. With Lenacapavir and MISTR, we’re making that future real, one shot at a time.”
June 26, 2025
Bruno Alcantara Joins MISTR’s Bold 2025 Campaign: Sexy, Safe, and Unfiltered

MISTR is turning up the volume on sex-positivity, access, and confidence with its just-launched 2025 campaign, and it’s bringing a whole new class of queer ambassadors to the frontlines. Among them is Brazilian-American model and creative Bruno Alcantara, who is stepping into the spotlight as one of the 12 newly announced MISTRs with a mission: to make free sexual healthcare not only accessible, but irresistible.

From social media heartthrobs to viral LGBTQ+ creators, the Class of 2025 is fierce, fresh, and unfiltered—just like MISTR’s promise to deliver free PrEP, DoxyPEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care across the U.S. No insurance? No judgment. Just 100% discreet, free care, delivered directly to your door via mistr.com.

We caught up with Alcantara to talk about his journey with PrEP, what makes this campaign different, and why being confident in your sexual health is the sexiest thing you can wear.

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From Customer to Campaign Star

Alcantara’s relationship with MISTR didn’t start with modeling, it started with trust.

“I’ve worked with MISTR before at DragCon, and I’ve actually been a customer for a few years,” Alcantara shared. “Now we’re making the relationship official.”

For Alcantara, becoming a MISTR ambassador means more than showing up in a campaign. It’s about showing up for his community.

“To be a voice for sexual health, to spread awareness, to help people protect themselves—it’s personal.”

Flipping the Script on Sexual Wellness

This year’s campaign unapologetically pairs face and body with facts. And for Alcantara, that’s what makes it revolutionary.

“When you’re protected, you get to relax and enjoy more. That peace of mind is sexy,” he said. “And if you can get that for free? Even better.”

The campaign is clear: There’s nothing shameful about knowing your status, being informed, and taking control of your sexual health. If anything, it’s empowering.

Sex-Positivity With Purpose

The shoot itself was just as bold as the campaign’s message. “It was like going back to school,” Alcantara laughed. “We had three intense days on set, but it was full of energy and fun. It really felt like we were building a new family.”

And that authenticity shows. Alcantara describes the experience as “liberating,” especially in a campaign that proudly centers queer voices, sex-positivity, and real-life access to care.

“By being ourselves, we give others permission to do the same. That’s the beauty of it.”

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A post shared by MISTR (@heymistr)

Tools, Tips, and Test Results

Alcantara is candid about his sexual health journey, from the nerves of his first STI test to building a “sexual health toolkit” stocked with PrEP, DoxyPEP, lube, condoms, and even mouthwash.

“I’d tell my younger self: I’m proud of you for taking that step,” he said. “Eventually, you’ll protect yourself, and feel confident doing it.”

His advice to anyone curious about PrEP or DoxyPEP? “Start by knowing your status. From there, you have options, and MISTR gives you those without the barriers.”

Photo: MISTR

Making Health Care Hot

MISTR’s 2025 campaign is more than just a photoshoot, it’s a movement. With no insurance requirements, no cost, and no stigma, it’s reimagining how we approach queer sexual wellness.

And for Alcantara, being a part of it is both meaningful and sexy. “When you feel free and confident, that’s what makes it hot.”

June 17, 2025
How West Hollywood’s First Queer-Owned Dispensary Is Blending Cannabis, Culture, and Community

For a city built by queer pioneers, it’s hard to believe it took until 2025 to open a gay-owned cannabis dispensary. But Green Qween isn’t just filling a gap, it’s rewriting the rules.

With a glimmering five-foot disco ball, a mural by queer artist Patrick Church, and signs urging customers to “Pass Joints, Not Judgment,” Green Qween’s new West Hollywood location is less dispensary, more love letter to queer joy, resilience, and high-style rebellion.

The Queer Roots of Cannabis

Green Qween co-founder Andrés Rigal is quick to remind us that the cannabis industry, now flooded with corporate interests and glossy packaging, owes everything to queer activists.

“The cannabis industry owes so much to queer activists and people living with HIV/AIDS who fought for medical access when it wasn’t safe or legal to do so,” Rigal says. “That history is often glossed over in today’s profit-driven market. It’s not a footnote. it’s the foundation.”

Rigal points to figures like Dennis Peron, founder of the San Francisco Buyers Club, who turned activism into action during the AIDS epidemic. At Green Qween, that spirit lives on in everything from brand partnerships to hiring practices.

“Equity isn’t a trend, it’s the architecture,” Rigal says. “We don’t just give shelf space to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC brands. We help them grow.”

A Love Letter in Neon and Glitter

Step inside Green Qween’s latest outpost at 802 San Vicente Boulevard and you’ll feel it immediately, the scent jars, the bold colors, the disco ball refracting sunlight onto Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.

“Green Qween was always meant to feel like a portal, a sensual escape that nods to the past, reflects the present, and invites us to imagine a more radiant future,” Rigal says. “This isn’t just about weed. It’s about the nights that saved us, the aesthetics that shaped us, and the kinship that carries us.”

Inspired by his two decades in LGBTQ+ nightlife, Rigal brought that sense of sanctuary to the dispensary’s design. “Nightlife raised me,” he adds. “From the disco ball to the lighting that shifts with the rhythm of the day, every detail tells a story. This is a sacred space.”

From The Abbey to the Apothecary

To bring Green Qween to life in West Hollywood, Rigal partnered with Tristan Schukraft, the entrepreneur behind MISTR and the new steward of legendary nightlife venue The Abbey.

“The LA Blade once called me ‘The CEO of Everything Gay.’ I just liked it and ran with it,” Schukraft laughs. “But really, everything I do comes back to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community: nightlife, healthcare, hospitality, and now cannabis.”

For Schukraft, Green Qween is more than a business, it’s about reclaiming economic power. “Visibility is important,” he says, “but ownership is power. We can’t just be the talent; we have to be the landlords, the investors, the decision-makers.”

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Queer All Year, Not Just for Pride

With Pride Month in full swing, Green Qween could easily ride the rainbow wave. But Rigal insists their commitment to the community runs much deeper than seasonal marketing.

“‘Queer all year’ isn’t our catchphrase, it’s our commitment,” he says. “We reinvest in LGBTQ+ nonprofits year-round. We hire from our community. Rainbow capitalism thrives on performative gestures. We’re here with intention.”

That mission is visible across all three Green Qween locations, Downtown LA, Sherman Oaks, and now West Hollywood, each one a unique expression of queer culture and cannabis equity.

Why It Took Until 2025

Despite its reputation as a queer mecca, West Hollywood had never hosted a gay-owned dispensary… until now.

“It says more than we’d like to admit,” Rigal notes. “Cannabis went corporate fast. In that shift, the very communities who fought for access, queer people, BIPOC trailblazers, trans pioneers, were pushed to the margins. We lost our seat at a table we helped set.”

But now, with unanimous support from the West Hollywood Business License Commission and a chorus of community voices, Green Qween is reclaiming that legacy. “We’re not just opening a store, we’re taking our place,” Schukraft adds.

The Dream: A Queer Cannabis Ecosystem

As for what’s next? Green Qween isn’t stopping at three locations. Schukraft envisions a national network of queer-owned cannabis spaces, from the Castro to Fire Island.

“Stay at The Tryst, have a cocktail at The Abbey, get dinner at The Canteen, protect yourself with MISTR, and get your cannabis from Green Qween,” he says. “It’s not just a business plan, it’s a whole LGBTQ+ ecosystem.”

And for young queer creatives hoping to follow in their footsteps?

“Don’t wait for permission,” Schukraft advises. “Build your own table. Our community has always been made of artists, hustlers, and revolutionaries. Keep that legacy alive.”

With glitter in its roots and power in its purpose, Green Qween is more than a dispensary. It’s a movement, one joint, one disco ball, and one unapologetic act of queer ownership at a time.

June 6, 2025
Green Qween Opening West Hollywood’s First LGBTQ+ Owned Cannabis Dispensary

West Hollywood is getting a little greener — and a lot queerer.

Green Qween, the beloved LGBTQ+-owned cannabis dispensary brand, is officially opening its third location at 802 San Vicente Boulevard on Friday, May 30th, making history as West Hollywood’s first queer-owned cannabis shop. Located in the heart of the city’s bustling nightlife district, the store brings bold style, community spirit, and high-quality cannabis to a neighborhood built by and for queer pioneers.

The move marks a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the cannabis industry, honoring the movement’s activist roots while paving the way for a more inclusive future.

A Milestone for Cannabis and Queer Culture

“We must remember that LGBTQ+ activists created the first medical dispensaries during the AIDS epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s,” said Andrés Rigal, co-founder of Green Qween. “It’s because of queer history that we have this opportunity to make history in West Hollywood and beyond.”

Rigal and fellow co-founder Taylor Bazley partnered with Tristan Schukraft, the owner of iconic queer venues like The Abbey and founder of MISTR, to bring this vision to life in West Hollywood.

“I mean, how was there not a gay-owned dispensary in West Hollywood until now?” said Schukraft. “We had to fix that.”

Loud, Proud, and Unapologetically Queer

Green Qween isn’t just another cannabis dispensary — it’s a cultural hub. Known for prioritizing LGBTQ+ and POC-owned cannabis brands, Green Qween uplifts local artists, supports nonprofits, and aims to make meaningful change in and for the community.

“Green Qween is loud, proud, and unapologetically queer, just like our community,” Schukraft said. “This isn’t just about cannabis — it’s about claiming ownership, honoring our legacy, and making space for ourselves in every corner of culture.”

Step Inside: A Disco Dream Come True

Green Qween West Hollywood is a sensory playground. Designed in collaboration with Visual Elements, the boutique-sized shop features retro flair mixed with sleek postmodern aesthetics in vibrant neo-mint and pink hues. The showstopper? A five-foot disco ball that casts dazzling reflections through floor-to-ceiling windows and onto Santa Monica Boulevard.

Inside, a custom wall of cannabis flower welcomes guests with interactive scent jars, allowing visitors to smell and explore California-grown cultivars. Arched shelving and playful, illuminated signage greet customers with cheeky reminders like “Pass Joints, Not Judgment.”

In short, it’s part dispensary, part disco, all queer.

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Photo: Green Qween

Art With Heart: A Mural for the Community

Outside the shop, acclaimed artist Patrick Church has painted an original mural titled “Land of My Dreams.” The vivid, expressive piece celebrates connection, humanity, and shared identity — transforming Green Qween’s storefront into a new landmark for public art in West Hollywood.

A Queer-Owned Brand With Purpose

Founded in Los Angeles, Green Qween is a queer- and POC-led social equity brand with a mission rooted in activism. Inspired by the LGBTQ+ leaders who first championed medical marijuana, the brand is committed to increasing representation in cannabis while creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Beyond its new WeHo flagship, Green Qween also operates stores at 1051 S. Broadway in Downtown L.A. and 13711 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks.

Starting May 31, Green Qween West Hollywood will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 802 San Vicente Blvd.

For more, visit www.thegreenqween.com or follow @shopgreenqween on Instagram.

Meet the Man Behind the Mission

Tristan Schukraft, dubbed “The CEO of Everything Gay,” is more than a nightlife impresario. After launching the airline travel platform ID90.com, he founded MISTR, now the largest telemedicine platform dedicated to HIV prevention and care.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO – APRIL 25: Tristan Schukraft attends the Grand Opening Weekend at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta: Opening Night Party at The Tryst Puerto Vallarta on April 25, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Tryst Hotels)

He later expanded into LGBTQ+ hospitality with properties like The Tryst in Puerto Vallarta and Circo Nightclub in Puerto Rico. His recent ventures include The Blue Whale, The Pavilion, and other iconic spots in Fire Island Pines, as well as DS Tequila in Chicago.

With Green Qween, Schukraft continues his mission to build inclusive spaces that serve — and celebrate — the queer community.

May 23, 2025
MISTR Celebrates One Year of Free DoxyPEP With STI Positivity Rates Cut in Half
Just in time for STI Awareness Week (April 13–19), MISTR—the largest LGBTQ+ sexual health platform in the United States—is marking a game-changing milestone: one year of providing free DoxyPEP to patients nationwide.

And the results? A dramatic 50% drop in STI positivity rates among its users.

Since launching access to free DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) in 2024, MISTR has seen massive adoption. Over 74% of its patients now request DoxyPEP bundled with their PrEP prescriptions, signaling growing awareness and demand for this powerful STI prevention tool.

“The science is clear—DoxyPEP works. PrEP works. The problem isn’t awareness, it’s access,” said MISTR founder and CEO Tristan Schukraft. “We’ve built a platform that patients actually want to use. We’ve removed the stigma, the waiting rooms, the paperwork—and we’re seeing real results.”

MISTR – Free Online PrEP DoxyPEP & STI Testing. Photo: MISTR

Breaking Barriers to Care

MISTR currently serves more than 500,000 patients across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering free online access to PrEP, DoxyPEP, long-term HIV care, and at-home STI testing in both English and Spanish.

Through a telehealth model, MISTR has significantly expanded access in underserved communities, particularly in the South and among Black and Latino populations—groups that continue to face disproportionate rates of HIV and other STIs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Over 68 million people in the U.S. have an STI at any given time.
- Only 2.4 million cases were officially reported in 2023.
- Just 1 in 4 people at risk for HIV are currently prescribed PrEP.
- Among Black Americans—the most impacted by new HIV diagnoses—only 13% of eligible individuals are on PrEP.
By comparison, Black patients represent 18% of MISTR’s user base.

“When care is accessible, affirming, and stigma-free, it reaches the communities that need it most,” Schukraft said.

A New Era of Prevention

Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, called MISTR’s progress “a blueprint for what’s possible.”

“MISTR’s results show what happens when we remove barriers and bring prevention to where people actually are,” he said. “This is the kind of innovation we need—community-driven, tech-enabled, and stigma-free.”

Beyond digital care, MISTR collaborates with more than 65 nonprofit organizations to help fund treatment for the uninsured and provide culturally competent, sex-positive services at scale. Its reach closely aligns with CDC Priority Jurisdictions and the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic goals.

Looking Ahead

With the next generation of prevention—like long-acting injectable PrEP—on the horizon, MISTR is already gearing up to integrate those options into its platform.

“We’re scaling to reach every person who wants protection but can’t—or won’t—navigate a broken healthcare system,” Schukraft said. “We’re showing what’s possible when prevention is stigma-free, community-rooted, and actually convenient.”

As STI Awareness Week shines a spotlight on rising infection rates and prevention gaps, MISTR’s success story offers a timely reminder: when care is easy to access, people show up—and stay healthy.
April 14, 2025
Tristan Schukraft Invests $17 Million in Fire Island’s Iconic Pines District

Tech entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft, known for his string of successful ventures, has made a bold move into the world of hospitality by acquiring a significant portion of Fire Island’s Pines district. The $17 million deal, announced in May 2024, includes the purchase of key venues such as a hotel, nightclub, restaurant, and the iconic Blue Whale bar, a central hub of the island’s gay community.

Schukraft, who has lived in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, was initially hesitant to visit Fire Island 12 years ago, despite the island’s reputation as a sought-after gay vacation destination. He was invited by friends to stay in the Pines, a secluded area of the island known for its lack of cars and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

In an article with The Wall Street Journal, Schukraft said “My friend hit me up and said, ‘You should come to Fire Island—you can sleep on the sofa,’” Schukraft recalled. “I was like, ‘That’s not really my thing.’” But after borrowing money for the ferry ride and experiencing the island for himself, Schukraft was hooked. “I ended up loving it,” he said, describing the rustic charm and unique atmosphere of the destination.

Despite his early fondness for Fire Island, Schukraft visited only once more in the following decade. It wasn’t until 2024 that he decided to invest in the island’s storied history, purchasing the majority of the Pines’ commercial district. His acquisition is part of a broader effort to preserve gay cultural landmarks, which includes the $45 million purchase of the Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, an iconic gay bar that had recently been plagued by allegations of drug-related incidents.

Schukraft’s push to revitalize historic LGBTQ+ spaces extends beyond West Hollywood. He is also reopening the legendary nightclub Circo in Puerto Rico and purchasing the D.S. Tequila Co. nightclub in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood.

While Schukraft has earned praise for his vision, his plans for Fire Island’s Pines district have sparked skepticism from some community members. Fire Island, particularly the Pines and nearby Cherry Grove, holds deep cultural significance for the LGBTQ+ community, having long provided a refuge for gay individuals. It is home to the famous “tea dance” party, which was founded in the 1960s, and other cherished traditions like the annual Fourth of July drag queen “Invasion.”

A tea dance at the Blue Whale, 1981. Credit: Fire Island Pines Historical Society

“We have a very opinionated, critical community who all have something to say,” said Bobby Bonanno, founder of the Fire Island Pines Historical Society. Bonanno emphasized that Fire Island’s significance has only grown in the current political climate, where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant threat.

Despite the pushback, Schukraft remains confident in his ability to breathe new life into the Pines. “I think we’re going to bring a breath of fresh air into Fire Island—I think people are really going to like it,” he said. Schukraft’s confidence stems from his track record of overcoming challenges in business, a skill he attributes to his sales background.

However, Schukraft’s lack of experience in the hospitality industry has raised questions about his ability to successfully manage such a high-profile project. As the founder of tech companies like the HIV telemedicine platform Mistr and the e-ticketing company ID90.com, Schukraft is taking a bold step into hotel and nightlife ownership with plans for an outpost of Tryst Hotels in the Pines. The hotel is set to be the first luxury gay hotel brand, with other locations opening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Vallarta, Schukraft has already made waves with the opening of the Tryst hotel, which has quickly become a hotspot for the local LGBTQ+ community. “On Sunday, I’m even more exhausted from partying all weekend,” Schukraft admitted, reflecting on his work-hard, play-hard lifestyle.

While his luxurious lifestyle may seem at odds with the laid-back vibe that Fire Island is known for, Schukraft is determined to leave his mark on the island and the larger LGBTQ+ community. “There are gays that want the five-star experience where they can be true and authentic to themselves,” he said. “Why do we have to settle for a four-star?”

Schukraft’s dedication to the project extends beyond business interests. He acknowledges the challenges of Fire Island’s remote location, noting that building on the island can be difficult and expensive. “It’s a very punishing environment,” said Andrew Kirtzman, a former owner of the Pines commercial district.

Even with his financial commitment, Schukraft is realistic about the potential for profitability. He openly admits that his investments in LGBTQ+ spaces, including the Pines, are more about preserving a legacy than maximizing profit. “Serving the gay community is a passion project,” he said. “At the end of the day, my name is on it.”

As Fire Island’s Pines district undergoes renovations, Schukraft is working to preserve its history while modernizing the area. One of his first changes is rebranding the district, which he says currently sounds too “boring” and impersonal. “We’re going to rename it ‘the Waterfront,’” he revealed.

For Schukraft, the journey to preserve Fire Island’s cultural legacy is just beginning. Whether or not his investment pays off financially, he is focused on securing the future of iconic gay institutions, ensuring they remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.

February 25, 2025