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
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, & Partnerships Director Ronnie Taylor.
Together, they revisit the impactful conversations that have defined this season, highlighting the collective wisdom of advocates, experts, and changemakers dedicated to advancing equity for people living with HIV. At the heart of this episode is a deep dive into the Carlton R. Smith Jr. Act—a groundbreaking piece of Maryland legislation that aims to repeal outdated and harmful HIV criminalization laws.
Join us as we celebrate the progress made, honor the voices that brought us here, and look ahead to the vital work still to come in the fight for decriminalization and justice.
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Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.
Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.