HIV: Pathway to Progress
This is Pathway to Progress, a podcast dedicated to the fight for HIV justice and decriminalization across the country. Hosted by Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, each episode features insightful conversations with a rotating panel of co-hosts and expert guests. Together, they explore the history of HIV in the U.S., the ongoing challenges of HIV criminalization, and the actions being taken to create a future where everyone—regardless of their status—can live without fear or discrimination.
Brought to you by FreeState Justice, Maryland’s leading LGBTQ+ legal nonprofit.
Join us in the fight for equality and justice. To learn more, visit freestate-justice.org.
Episodes
15 episodes
The Path Forward (Season 1 Finale)
In this powerful season finale of Pathway to Progress, we reflect on the transformative journey of our podcast series alongside two of FreeState Justice’s leading voices—Executive Director Phillip Westry and Advocacy, Policy, & Par...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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36:28
Unstoppable Conversations: A Pathway to Progress Compilation
In this special episode of Pathway to Progress, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our previous 11 conversations, featuring insightful pieces of wisdom from leading HIV advocates and public health experts.From dec...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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36:08
How to Advocate With Care
In Episode 11 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Kytara Epps, Public Health and Advocacy Strategist at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Kytara, a passionate public health practitioner, discusses her work at the intersection of...
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27:27
Breaking Barriers in HIV Care
In Episode 10 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah A. Schmalzle, Medical Director of the THRIVE Program at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Schmalzle discusses the medical ind...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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16:07
From Stigma to Strength
In Episode 9 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Melanie Reese, Executive Director of Older Women Embracing Life (OWEL) and constant collaborator at the SERO Project. Melanie has dedicated her career to supporting those living with...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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41:58
Building Inclusive Communities
In Episode 8 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we explore the crucial role HIV advocates and medical providers play in building inclusive, supportive communities for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symp...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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54:59
Connect to Care
In Episode 7 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we focus on the critical role healthcare providers play in ensuring access to vital resources for communities most impacted by HIV. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium, this panel...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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42:56
HIV Decriminalized
In Episode 6 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium. This conversation centers on the fight for HIV decriminalization, featuring experts from the Equality...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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39:48
HIV Prevention, PrEP, PEP & Beyond
In Episode 5 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress event held in Maryland last month. Experts from Total Healthcare Baltimore, Chase Brexton, the...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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41:51
Championing LGBTQ+ Policy for a Healthier Future
In Episode 4 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Mike Elizabeth, Director of Public Health Policy at Equality Federation. Mike works at the intersection of LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health, helping policymakers implement inclusive...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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36:21
Navigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 2)
In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 2), we continue our conversation with Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project. After serving 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, Ke...
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19:05
Navigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 1)
In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration, we’re joined by Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project, for a powerful conversation about his personal journey and the fight for HIV decriminalization....
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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29:31
HIV, Criminalization, and Race
In the second episode of Pathway to Progress, FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Robert Suttle, an advocate directly impacted by the criminal...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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26:06
The History of HIV Criminalization
FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Jada Hicks, Senior Attorney at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Listen in as the trio discusses the history of HIV in the U.S. and...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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20:10