April 25, 2025

In this powerful episode of The Advocate. Podcast, UK-based Christian Mercer-Hall sits down with Robert Suttle, a long-time HIV advocate, to explore the impact of HIV criminalisation laws and the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and health. Living with HIV for over 21 years, Robert shares his personal journey as a Black gay man navigating stigma, systemic injustice, and the urgent need for legal reform.

Their discussion uncovers the deep challenges marginalised communities face, the role of misinformation, and the crucial importance of advocacy, education, and community resilience. Together, they shed light on the evolving narrative around HIV criminalisation and what the future holds for public health and policy.

Key Takeaways:

Why HIV criminalisation laws disproportionately affect marginalised communities.

How advocacy and awareness are shifting the narrative around HIV.

The importance of collective action and staying informed in the fight for justice.

Check out The Advocate. Podcast for more conversations that challenge perceptions and push for progress in HIV awareness and care!

April 22, 2025 10:00 AM in Eastern Time (US/Canada)

Join us on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for a powerful conversation hosted by Global Black Gay Men Connect, featuring Doreen Moraa Moracha and me.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to resist growing discrimination, stigma, and violence in today’s world, while amplifying the voices of people most impacted. From personal stories to collective strategies, this dialogue is about resilience, advocacy, and the power of community to demand justice and create change.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, informed, and activated.

April 17, 2025

If you missed it, don’t worry. The conversation isn’t over.

We just wrapped From Prevention to Progress: Understanding the Current HIV Landscape, a timely and urgent webinar that unpacked the state of HIV in the U.S. today. From breakthroughs in prevention and treatment to the alarming efforts by the White House to roll back HIV progress, this session offered both clarity and a call to action.

Together, we explored the facts behind the epidemic — the data, the disparities, and the power of community-led solutions. Participants walked away with a sharper understanding of how HIV prevention is being politicized, and what it will take to ensure access, equity, and justice for all people living with and communities vulnerable to HIV.

Replay coming soon — check back here for the full recording and share it widely.

Because understanding the landscape is the first step toward shaping the future.

April 11, 2025 

In this powerful 12th episode titled Unstoppable Conversations, FreeState Justice revisits standout moments from the first 11 episodes, spotlighting leading HIV advocates working to end criminalization, challenge stigma, and advance health equity.

Get caught up on missed episodes featuring advocates who are reshaping the narrative around HIV justice.  

Featured in Episode 2: HIV, Criminalization, and Race— I dive into the realities of living with HIV in a criminalized system and the fight for racial and social justice.

If you're passionate about policy change and lived experience, this episode is a must-listen.  

March 13, 2025

In 2025, CHLP is celebrating 20 years of Making Positive Justice Possible through legal advocacy, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to HIV justice. To commemorate this historic anniversary, CHLP sat down with several advocates and partners from throughout its history and asked them to share their thoughts about CHLP, the impact the organization has had on the HIV justice movement, and how the organization's work continues to change laws and change lives.

As we celebrate CHLP's 20th anniversary year, they have launched a fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 in 2025. This campaign will increase CHLPs capacity to do its work and fortify the organization for years to come. 

March 3, 2025

I had the incredible honor of being a guest bartender with Bravo Andy Cohen, alongside the amazing Gabrielle Union and Jay Ellis! But I wasn’t just there for the cocktails—I was mic’d up and there to spread the word that HIV IS NOT A CRIME.

February 28th was #HIVisNotaCrime Awareness Day, and yet, in many states, people can still be prosecuted simply for living with HIV under outdated laws enacted out of misguided fear, not science. 

If you missed it, catch the replay on the Bravo Watch What Happens Live YouTube channel, and let’s keep this conversation going.

Photo Credits:
Charlie Sykes