Meet Thabo "Jordan" Mokone, an AWPCAB HIV Prevention Champion from South Africa. What began as curiosity about HIV prevention became something much bigger: a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and creating safe spaces where other young people can ask the questions he once felt afraid to ask.
For much of his teenage years, Jordan felt like he was trying to catch up.
While many of his friends were already talking openly about sex and relationships, he describes himself as a "late bloomer." He wasn't sexually active, was still figuring out his sexuality, and often found himself pretending to understand conversations simply so he wouldn't feel left out.
At the time, the only HIV prevention option he knew about was condoms.
"Everything was confusing," he recalls. "I would do things just to fit in and not be the lame one at school."
Curiosity eventually led him to the AWPCAB HIV Prevention in Action Academy.
More importantly, it led him to something he hadn't expected: a place where no question was too small, too awkward, or too embarrassing to ask.
"The Academy had the answers I was looking for and made it a safe space for young people like me to talk about things other people my age would think were stupid or lame."
For Jordan, learning about HIV prevention wasn't just about understanding different prevention options. It was also about understanding himself.
As a gay man, navigating conversations around relationships, sexuality and HIV prevention wasn't always easy. The Academy gave him the knowledge to better understand his own health, while also giving him the freedom to be himself.
"At the Academy, I get to be me and not put myself in a box. There's freedom."
That sense of belonging transformed the way he approaches advocacy today.
Jordan now encourages everyone around him to take their health seriously and reminds young people that no one else should make decisions about their bodies for them.
"When you know your HIV prevention options, you're able to choose what works for you and practice safer sex."
Inspired by the safe space he found through the Academy, Jordan launched a ZAZI Club in local high schools, creating a space where learners can ask the same questions he once wished someone had answered.
"Now they get to hear it from me, in person," he says.
His advocacy has continued to grow in creative ways.
Jordan recently organised an HIV Prevention Theatre production in Limpopo, using art to spark conversations about how HIV prevention has evolved over the years and why access alone isn't enough if people don't know their options.
"If people can be taught how to hate," he reflects, "why can't we use the same method to teach HIV prevention?"
Today, condoms remain Jordan's preferred HIV prevention option because they protect against HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. While he is interested in learning more about long-acting injectable prevention, he believes combining methods that work for his lifestyle gives him peace of mind.
Looking back, Jordan says the Academy changed much more than his understanding of HIV prevention.
Research expanded his thinking. Meaningful conversations deepened his relationships. His confidence grew. And the questions he was once afraid to ask became the conversations he now leads.
"My journey has been full of growth," he says. "With the good, there's room to grow. With the challenges, there's room to learn and improve."
Today, Jordan is helping create the kind of space he once needed himself, where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered to make informed HIV prevention choices.