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
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 HIV/AIDS, helping them live full, productive, and joyful lives. In this conversation, Melanie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with HIV and how her experiences with stigma and discrimination have fueled her advocacy work. She discusses the importance of decriminalization and how she fights to change the narrative surrounding HIV, particularly for older individuals today.
Tune in to hear about the challenges this community faces and the work Melanie and her fellow advocates do to empower them to live fulfilling lives free from stigma and discrimination.
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Visit owelinc.org to learn more about how Melanie and her team supports older women living with HIV/AIDS.
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.