Finding affirming healthcare as a gay man shouldn't be a research project. But for many of us, it still is — trying to figure out which clinic won't be weird about it, where to get PrEP without it costing a fortune, or how to find STI testing that doesn't feel clinical and judgmental.
This guide compiles national telehealth services, PrEP access programs, STI testing resources, and LGBTQ+ health centers across the US. We also link to PrideBase's local health directory for city-specific resources in Hawaii, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.
🟢 PrEP Works
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. If you're sexually active with multiple partners and not on PrEP — this guide will show you how to get it, often at low or no cost.
What Is PrEP and Do You Need It?
PrEP is a daily medication (typically Truvada or Descovy) that prevents HIV-negative individuals from contracting HIV through sex. It's recommended for:
- Gay and bisexual men who have sex without condoms
- Anyone with a sexual partner who is HIV-positive
- Men who've had a bacterial STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) in the past 6 months
- People who inject drugs and share needles
PrEP requires a prescription and regular HIV/STI testing (every 3 months). The good news: multiple programs make it available at little or no cost to most Americans.
National PrEP Access Programs
Ready, Set, PrEP (Federal Program)
FreeThe US government's Ready, Set, PrEP program provides free PrEP medication to uninsured Americans. If you don't have health insurance, this is your first stop. Covers both Truvada and Descovy (brand name).
Eligibility: No health insurance, HIV-negative, valid prescription
How to get it: Get tested at any clinic, get a prescription, register at getyourprep.com
Get Free PrEP ↗Managed by the US Department of Health & Human Services
Gilead's Medication Assistance Program
Free/Low CostGilead (manufacturer of Truvada and Descovy) offers a patient assistance program for low-income individuals. If your income is under 500% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for free or heavily discounted medication — even with insurance.
Coverage: Truvada, Descovy, and HIV treatment medications
Apply for Assistance ↗HRSA Find a Health Center
NationalFederally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are required to provide care on a sliding-fee scale based on income. Many are LGBTQ+ affirming and offer PrEP, STI testing, and primary care. There are over 1,400 FQHCs across the US.
Cost: Sliding scale (can be $0 for low-income patients)
Find a Center Near You ↗Telehealth PrEP — Get PrEP Without Going to a Clinic
These services let you get a PrEP prescription, lab tests, and medication delivered to your door — no in-person clinic required. Ideal if you're in a rural area, have transportation limitations, or just prefer the privacy.
Nurx
TelehealthNurx is one of the most popular telehealth PrEP services. You fill out a health questionnaire, order an at-home test kit, and a provider reviews your results and prescribes PrEP — all online. Lab testing, provider visits, and medication management are included in a monthly fee.
Cost: ~$20/month with insurance, sliding scale without. At-home STI test kit included.
Start PrEP on Nurx ↗Folx Health
Telehealth LGBTQ+ FocusedFolx Health is built explicitly for the LGBTQ+ community — their providers are trained in gay men's health, trans healthcare, and queerness generally. They offer PrEP, STI care, HIV management, and hormone therapy (HRT). The experience is noticeably more affirming than generic telehealth platforms.
Cost: Membership-based; accepts insurance. STI testing add-ons available.
Visit Folx Health ↗Wisp
TelehealthWisp offers sexual health services including PrEP prescriptions, STI treatment, and at-home testing. They serve all 50 states and are typically more affordable than Nurx. No insurance required, though they accept most major plans.
Cost: ~$35 provider visit + medication cost (often $0 with insurance/programs)
Visit Wisp ↗STI Testing — Free and Low-Cost Options
Getting tested regularly is part of being responsible and looking out for your partners. The CDC recommends gay and bisexual men get tested at least once a year, and every 3–6 months if you have multiple or anonymous partners.
Planned Parenthood
Sliding ScalePlanned Parenthood provides comprehensive sexual health services including STI testing and treatment, PrEP, HIV testing, and condoms — to anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale, and many tests are free for low-income individuals.
Tests offered: HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis
Find a Planned Parenthood ↗GetTested.CDC.gov
Free / Low CostThe CDC's official tool for finding free and confidential testing near you — HIV, STIs, and hepatitis. Searches by zip code and shows hours, services offered, and whether an appointment is needed.
Find Free Testing ↗At-Home STI Testing — SH:24 / Everlywell / LetsGetChecked
At-HomeAt-home test kits are mailed to you, you collect samples (urine, swab, or blood draw), mail it back, and results come in 2–5 days online. More private than a clinic — useful if you have anxiety about in-person visits or want to test more frequently.
- LetsGetChecked — Comprehensive gay men's panel (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia): ~$149
- Everlywell — STD test panel starting at ~$99; individual HIV test ~$49
- SH:24 — UK-based but widely available internationally; free via NHS in UK
LGBTQ+ Health Centers by City
PrideBase's resource directory includes verified LGBTQ+ health centers in our launch cities. These organizations provide care specifically for gay men, queer people, and trans individuals — with culturally competent providers who understand your health needs.
📍 Find Local Health Resources on PrideBase
Search our directory of 30+ verified LGBTQ+ organizations by city, category (Health, HIV/AIDS, Therapists), and service type. All listings include phone numbers, addresses, and websites — verified by our team.
San Francisco
- Ward 86 at Zuckerberg SF General — Premier HIV clinic in the US. PrEP, HIV treatment, and research. Free for uninsured.
- Strut (SFAF) — Gay men's health center in the Castro. PrEP, testing, mental health, wellness programs.
- Lyon-Martin Community Health Services — LGBTQ+ affirming primary care, sliding scale fees.
New York City
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center — The landmark LGBTQ+ health center in NYC. PrEP, HIV care, trans healthcare, mental health.
- NYC Health + Hospitals — Free HIV testing and PrEP across all boroughs.
- Harlem United — HIV prevention and care, particularly strong in Harlem and East Harlem.
Los Angeles
- LA LGBT Center — Largest LGBTQ+ health organization in the world. Full primary care, PrEP, mental health, HIV services.
- AHF Healthcare Centers — Multiple locations; HIV testing, PrEP, and treatment at low/no cost.
Hawaii
- Life Foundation (Hawaii) — HIV prevention, testing, and care across the islands. PrEP assistance program.
- Kalihi-Palama Health Center — FQHC serving Oahu with sliding-scale fees; LGBTQ+ affirming.
HIV Status — Testing and Treatment Resources
If you receive an HIV-positive result, know that HIV is now a manageable chronic condition. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV have normal life expectancy and can achieve an undetectable viral load — meaning they cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
National HIV/AIDS Hotline
FreeThe CDC's 24/7 information line. Speak with trained counselors about HIV testing, prevention, and resources in your area.
Phone: 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
Spanish: 1-888-232-6348
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
FreeFederal program providing comprehensive HIV care and treatment to people who are uninsured or underinsured. Covers medication (ART), primary care, mental health, and case management.
Find Ryan White Services ↗Quick Reference: When to Get Tested
CDC Recommended Testing Frequency for Gay & Bisexual Men
HIV: At least once a year; every 3–6 months if you have multiple or anonymous partners
Syphilis: At least once a year
Gonorrhea + Chlamydia: At least once a year; test at each site of exposure (throat, rectum, urethra)
Hepatitis B: Vaccine recommended; test if unvaccinated
Hepatitis C: At least once; annually if you have HIV
Mpox: Vaccine available; two doses (JYNNEOS) recommended
Bottom Line
Affirming, affordable healthcare exists — it's just not always easy to find. PrEP is free or nearly free for most Americans. STI testing is available at zero cost through government programs. And LGBTQ+ health centers in major cities provide comprehensive care without judgment.
Use PrideBase's health directory to find verified organizations in your city. And if you have questions, reach out — building this resource database is one of the core reasons PrideBase exists.