Michael Mejia on Cover of Plus Issue 115 Nov/Dec 2016

A gay, Latino artist best known for his hyper-realistic body paintings, Michael Mejia is the breakout star of Skin Wars and Skin Wars: Fresh Paint on Game Show Network. Mejia — who painted a giant revolutionary mural in Oaxaca, Mexico, and worked with celebrities like Claudia Schiffer and musicians including  Jason Derulo and Timbaland. In this exclusive interview, the 26-year-old artist comes out about his HIV status and talks about the rampant stigma, his artistic collaborations, amazingly supportive mother, and the rite of passage that had him literally dangling from hooks piercing his skin. Plus: A treatment breakthrough, a poz congressman, and 13 unforgettable HIV+ TV storylines.