On September 29, 2026, multiple witnesses reported that State Representative, Aaron Bernstine unleashed a homophobic tirade at a Harrisburg bar, calling State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Black f***** and "joking" that he had lost weight because he has AIDS. Rep. Kenyatta was not present and had done nothing to provoke this attack.

AIDS is not a "joke." We are tired of people using AIDS as a punchline. AIDS has killed over 40 million people worldwide. It is a disease that still carries immense stigma, and using it as a punchline to attack any colleague is beneath the dignity of any public official. It is reprehensible considering so many people have died by losing a tremendous amount of weight in a short amount of time leaving their loved ones in sheer anguish. So many of us have seen our friends and lovers die before our eyes of this disease.  Still, with modern treatments, people are living full and healthy lives with AIDS. 

We have a FUNCTIONAL CURE that could eradicate HIV from every City and State in the country, but HIV stigma allows us to treat AIDS deaths as a joke. 

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and the Philadelphia House Delegation have all called for Bernstine's resignation. While he has resigned from his committee assignments, he refuses to step down from office. 

His actions are not neutral. Bernstine is not alone. People living with HIV/AIDS live in every county of Pennsylvania and they are being failed by this state. HIV is stigma shows up policy that ignores that our lived experience. So, in response, we demand that:

1. Aaron Bernstine resign from his seat
2. State of Pennsylvania reverse cuts to the SPBP AIDS Drugs Program
3. States and Cities advocate to delay or reverse Medicaid and SNAP cuts due to H.R. 1

We stand with every person living with HIV/AIDS and every person with any chronic illness or condition whose life depends on healthcare and cannot experience any gaps in coverage.