When HIV was first identified in the early 1980s, it was a public health crisis mired in urgent scientific questions: How was it transmitted? What were the symptoms? Could it be treated? But alongside that, and equally challenging to public health, was the stigma attached to the virus. Homophobia, racism, and shame around sex combined with a woefully inadequate response from our government made the epidemic even more deadly. Today, we know how to treat HIV/AIDS and help prevent transmission. Still, thousands of Americans contract HIV every year, millions of people around the world do not receive treatment, and stigma remains dangerous, even deadly.



In this debut episode, you’ll hear from activist Peter Staley about his experience as a member of the group ACT UP back in the 1980s, and his work today to fight stigma, and help people get the education and care they deserve. Then Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness shares his journey through fear and stigma after being diagnosed as HIV-positive to becoming a fierce advocate and inspiration for other. And finally, Dr. Oni Blackstock, an HIV physician and advocate working in New York City, shares her experience treating patients on the front-lines amid a pandemic and the ongoing fight for equity in healthcare access and quality for all.  

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

When HIV was first identified in the early 1980s, it was a public health crisis mired in urgent scientific questions: How was it transmitted? What were the symptoms? Could it be treated? But alongside that, and equally challenging to public health, was the stigma attached to the virus. Homophobia, racism, and shame around sex combined with a woefully inadequate response from our government made the epidemic even more deadly. Today, we know how to treat HIV/AIDS and help prevent transmission. Still, thousands of Americans contract HIV every year, millions of people around the world do not receive treatment, and stigma remains dangerous, even deadly. In this debut episode, you’ll hear from activist Peter Staley about his experience as a member of the group ACT UP back in the 1980s, and his work today to fight stigma, and help people get the education and care they deserve. Then Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness shares his journey through fear and stigma after being diagnosed as HIV-positive to becoming a fierce advocate and inspiration for other. And finally, Dr. Oni Blackstock, an HIV physician and advocate working in New York City, shares her experience treating patients on the front-lines amid a pandemic and the ongoing fight for equity in healthcare access and quality for all.   Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

What do vaccines, stigma, climate change and sex have in common? They all relate to our public health.    Covid-19 isn’t the only public health crisis we’ve faced. It’s not even the only one we face right now. What led us to this moment, what have we learned, what did we get right (and wrong), and how can we do better?   As we navigate a pandemic, and a moment that’s rife with conspiracy theories and misinformation, Chelsea is getting the facts.    Each week on In Fact, Chelsea Clinton sits down with experts, activists and a few surprising guests who share Chelsea’s passion for science, evidence and yes, facts. Along the way, they’ll open the world of public health through shared stories, their work, connect the dots between the past and present moment, and help us understand that, now more than ever, public health affects us all.

In Fact with Chelsea Clinton

When it comes to battling an epidemic, public perception can be just as important as cutting-edge research.

HIV/AIDS and Stigma (with Peter Staley, Jonathan Van Ness & Dr. Oni Blackstock)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dd34f96f-d4a8-460b-9b7e-ae320070f6ea/transcript

Advertisement