By Kippy Marks –
He turned a smile into a movement. His iconic symbol invites HIV dialogue, reduces stigma, and builds community. Through design, empathy, and fearless love, he embodies PMLE: Practice Makes Love Easy, and I am therefore proud to celebrate Dave Watt as the 10th individual spotlighted in this column.
In a world where silence still surrounds HIV, Watt chose to speak—with a smile. During his run for Mr. Michigan Leather in 2008, he introduced a symbol that would become a movement: a simple, friendly face that said, “I’m poz-friendly.” That symbol became Mr. Friendly, now Team Friendly—a grassroots campaign that transformed HIV stigma into connection, conversation, and care.
Watt’s genius wasn’t just in the design. It was in the philosophy: visibility without assumption, friendliness without fear. He wanted people to know they could talk about HIV without shame, without guessing someone’s status, and without the silence that stigma breeds. That’s PMLE in action, when love is practiced through openness, empathy, and everyday courage.
Before founding Mr. Friendly, Watt had spent years distributing condoms and safe sex materials. But he realized the real impact came from dialogue, from sitting down and saying, “Let’s talk,” and from creating spaces where HIV-positive individuals weren’t treated as second-class citizens, but as full, vibrant members of the community. That’s where the Friendly face came in—a visual cue that said, “You’re safe here.”
The movement grew. Chapters formed across the U.S. and Canada. Hotel lobby brainstorms turned into national campaigns. And, in 2015, Mr. Friendly evolved into Team Friendly, reflecting a broader coalition of allies, advocates, and educators, but the heart remained the same: reduce stigma one conversation at a time.
He didn’t just create a logo. He created a language of love; a way for people to say, “I see you. I honor you. Let’s talk.” And, in doing so, he exemplified the PMLE philosophy: that love, when practiced consistently and courageously, becomes not just easy but also revolutionary.
Kippy Marks: How long have you been involved with the practicing of PMLE values in your work?
Dave Watt: The Team Friendly campaign was born from a simple belief: everyone deserves love. That message first took shape in September 2008 during a speech I gave while competing in the Mr. Michigan Leather contest. At its heart, the speech was a call to treat every person with dignity and respect, regardless of HIV status. Since then, the campaign has grown through a tremendous collective effort, but I’m proud to hold the title of founder.
Kippy Marks: Who or what motivated you to become the community activist you are today?
Dave Watt: For years, I was known as “the condom guy,” handing out countless condoms everywhere I went. But over time, I realized that wasn’t the conversation I truly wanted to be having. During my outreach, I saw people living with HIV being judged, excluded, and pushed aside, often because of simple misinformation. Once people were given accurate information, that fear shifted into understanding—and sometimes even genuine love. I wanted a symbol that could spark a different kind of conversation, one that said, “I’m here for you, whether you’re HIV-positive or HIV-negative,” and that could spread awareness with a smile. The idea became the foundation for the Team Friendly concept, including the amazing team here in the Bay Area.
Kippy Marks: How old were you when you made that decision?
Dave Watt: I was in my mid-forties when my husband and I first launched the campaign. Back then, it was called “Mr. Friendly,” a name tailored to the gay and trans leather events where it first took root.
Kippy Marks: What advice would you give to others on how to practice love on the daily?
Dave Watt: Let’s be slower to judge one another. Whenever possible, choose to believe that people are acting with positive intent, even when their words or actions miss the mark. Too often, I see folks jump to the worst conclusion when they feel hurt or frustrated. Instead of responding with anger, try approaching the moment with compassion and say, “Help me understand.” Lead with love. And if you see a need in your community, step up and meet it. Use your skills, your connections, and the passion in your heart to make things better. I’m always happy to support and collaborate. Let’s do good together.
Kippy Marks: If you were granted two universal wishes, what would you wish for?
Dave Watt: A future where HIV is cured; and free, high-quality healthcare is available to everyone. I know—it’s a big wish!
Kippy Marks: Please share any current practices that our readers may find useful, and update us on what you are doing now.
Dave Watt: I work across Arizona as a sexual health educator and travel nationwide to speak at conferences and fetish events. You can find Team Friendly on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky. We focus on creating events and social media campaigns that raise awareness one Friendly conversation at a time. Together, let’s keep the Friendly conversations going until the world is truly stigma-free of HIV!
Want to be part of the change and join the movement? Visit Watt and his team’s website (www.teamfriendly.org) to learn more, start a chapter, or support the mission. Their merchandise—shirts, pins, and banners—aren’t just stylish. They’re conversation starters. They’re symbols of solidarity. They’re tools of love.
And if you’re in San Francisco, you’ve already felt the fire. In 2016, I became the first Mr. Friendly titleholder to compete at International Mr. Leather (IML), representing Mr. Friendly SF/Bay. My original song and video, “Stoke The Fire Mr. FRIENDLY,” became an anthem for the movement. In a gesture of pure PMLE spirit, I gifted the copyright to Watt and Team Friendly for life, ensuring the music of love and visibility would never fade.
So, whether you wear the pin, share the smile, or play the song (more streams = more $ to Team Friendly)—know this: You’re stoking the fire. You’re practicing love. You’re part of the revolution.
As we celebrate community builders and unsung heroes in this column, let Watt’s legacy remind us: a single smile can shift a culture. Team Friendly isn’t just a campaign. It’s a practice. It’s a promise. It’s love made visible.
Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Practice Makes Love Easy
Published on November 20, 2025
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