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.
HIV: Pathway to Progress
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. Kerry served 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, and during his incarceration, he became a vocal advocate. He collaborated with outreach organizations, engaged with the media, and worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by prisoners living with HIV.
In this episode, Kerry reflects on his experience with the justice system, the ongoing impact of HIV criminalization, and how his time behind bars became a catalyst for his advocacy work. He shares how he turned his own story into a driving force for systemic change and justice reform.
Don’t forget to return in two weeks on Thursday, January 16th, for Part 2 of his journey.
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Visit www.seroproject.com to learn more about Kerry’s fight for justice reform.
Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.
Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.