Empower Program - Between Us: Love Outside the Shadow of HIV Stigma

Описание: The Empower Program hosted this virtual conversation on November 14, 2025 during the 16th Annual International Conference on Stigma at Howard University. The conversation focused on love that transcends HIV status. Through honest dialogue and powerful lived experiences, it explored the realities of mixed-status relationships — where one partner is living with HIV and the other is not.

Faculty explored how HIV-related stigma influences the experiences of mixed-status relationships and families, as well as recent advancements in HIV prevention and treatment that impact mixed-status couples. Participants gained practical strategies that promote resilience, reduce stigma, and strengthen communication in mixed-status relationships.

Learning Objectives
Explain recent advancements in HIV prevention and treatment that impact mixed-status couples.
Analyze how HIV-related stigma influences the experiences of mixed-status relationships and families.
Identify at least two practical strategies that promote resilience, reduce stigma, and strengthen communication in mixed-status relationships.

Faculty
Ciarra 'Ci Ci' Covin, MS, HS-BCP, and Dwayne Brown hail from the City of Brotherly Love and are anticipating their upcoming winter wedding after many years of dating. Ci Ci is an internationally recognized maternal and family wellness expert and a passionate advocate for the rights of women living with HIV. As a woman living with HIV herself, she has birthed two HIV-negative children, one of whom she shares with Dwayne, and has become a respected voice in the HIV community and beyond.

Dwayne is a dedicated family man and skilled welder. A proud father of five, he exemplifies hard work and commitment, both in his family life and profession. Ci Ci and Dwayne have built a partnership based on love, support, and shared growth. Their story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community.

Moderator
Leo Sheridan, MLS, CCHW, PBT (ASCP) is an Afro-Latino public health leader and Certified Community Health Worker with over 13 years of experience in harm reduction and outreach. As the Capacity Building Assistance Manager at HealthHIV, he leads technical assistance and workforce development initiatives for community-based organizations.

Leo has trained and supported frontline workers throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. His specialties focus on advancing clinical skills and outreach education in HIV, STIs, and drug user health. His work emphasizes culturally competent, client-centered care for underserved communities, with a strong focus on racial equity and harm reduction. Leo holds a Masters degree in Healthcare Law from the University of Oklahoma and resides in Baltimore, Maryland.