Episode 9 - Fighting for Justice: The Hidden Toll of HIV Laws on Black Women

Описание: What happens when a health condition is labeled a crime?

This episode unpacks the harsh reality of HIV criminalization and how outdated laws disproportionately harm Black women. These laws—rooted in stigma, not science—undermine public health efforts by discouraging testing, deterring disclosure, and increasing fear around diagnosis. From unjust prosecutions to emotional trauma, we explore how these policies fuel misinformation and widen health disparities. We also highlight the ongoing fight for justice, education, and legal reform—essential steps in creating a supportive environment where HIV prevention, care, and treatment can truly thrive.

Learning Objectives:
Describe how HIV criminalization laws negatively impact public health and HIV prevention efforts, particularly within Black communities.

Identify at least two ways in which outdated HIV disclosure and prosecution laws contribute to stigma, fear, and barriers to testing and treatment.

Explain the importance of legal and policy reform in advancing equitable HIV prevention strategies and reducing health disparities.

Faculty: Kamaria Laffrey
Living with Black Girl Magic, HIV, and chronic optimism, Kamaria Laffrey serves nationally as Co-Executive Director with The SERO Project. Working to decriminalize HIV, she supports advocates in leading her state coalition on reform efforts and in both roles, offers strategic planning and community mobilization training to state leaders living with HIV to change their HIV criminalization laws.

Moderator: Amy Zamot
Amalia “Amy” Zamot brings 20+ years of HIV leadership, currently serving as the Senior Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) Manager at HealthHIV. She has expanded equitable access to care for vulnerable populations and previously led regional efforts as Minority HIV/AIDS Coordinator. A trusted voice in media, she is dedicated to advancing HIV prevention and community impact.