Marvelous Muchenje is a PhD student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto and the Manager, Community Relations and Communications at ViiV Healthcare Canada. With a professional and activist background in sexual and reproductive rights, Marvelous is passionate about seeking social justice in all its forms by changing systems of oppression through collective action. An affirming HIV-positive Black woman, Marvelous has made it her mission to spread love and empowerment. She is a writer, motivational speaker and advocate for marginalized communities. Marvelous sits on several national boards with a global reach, which she uses to uplift the narratives of those who face injustice. She believes that justice must be intersectional and inclusive in order to improve the quality of life for all. You can follow Marvelous on twitter here and learn more about her research here.
We talk about how HIV stigma shows up in families, healthcare, employment, legal systems, and ultimately impacts community and self-acceptance of people living with HIV. Marvelous shares how HIV stigma intersects with stigma toward sex, immigrants, and other social identities. We discuss the many things that people can do to challenge HIV stigma in their own relationships, communities, and workplaces. Marvelous leaves us with this question about HIV stigma: (A.I.D.S.) Am I Doing Something?
Episode hosted by Dr. Carmen Logie. Supported by funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Canada Research Chairs program. Original music and podcast produced by Jupiter Productions, who have various production services available to support your podcast needs.