GLAAD and ViiV Healthcare have partnered at American Black Film Festival to curate a powerful panel on Black Queer storytelling and HIV stigma. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, in partnership with ViiV Healthcare, hosted a featured panel conversation at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) titled, “From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change.”
Taking place on Thursday, May 28, at the New World Center, the event brought together celebrated talent, creators, and industry leaders to examine how film, television, and digital media can challenge harmful narratives, humanize HIV experiences, and expand what audiences understand about identity, care, community, and allyship.
Black queer storytelling has always been a force for visibility, truth, and cultural change, especially in the ongoing fight to end HIV stigma. This conversation examined how authentic stories can move beyond representation to drive empathy, shift public perception, and advance real-world impact for Black LGBTQ+ communities.
“Storytelling has always been a catalyst for change, and that’s exactly why this moment matters. At ViiV Healthcare, we know that ending HIV isn’t just about our innovation and science, it’s also about shifting culture, touching hearts, and confronting stigma head-on,” said Bithiah Lafontant, Head of Enterprise Communications at ViiV Healthcare.
“Partnering with GLAAD at the American Black Film Festival allows us to engage directly with the communities, creators, and audiences at the heart of these narratives. When we tell stories that reflect the authentic experiences of people whose lives have been impacted by HIV, we create understanding and move one step closer to ending the epidemic.”
“Dangerous funding cuts and a lack of HIV awareness among younger generations have created a truly urgent need for more stories and visibility around HIV treatment and prevention. Our partnership with ViiV Healthcare aims to reduce stigma and increase education by championing and providing a platform to the most affected and most knowledgeable communities,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis
Presented by GLAAD, the panel “From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change” took place at the New World Center – Truist Pavilion. Moderated by Shar Jossell, this dynamic conversation featured an incredible lineup of panelists, including actor Nicco Annan (P-Valley), comedian Brandi Denise, writer Kharmony Fortune, and Bithiah Lafontant (Head of Enterprise Communications at ViiV Healthcare).
Select Quotes:
Nicco Annan, P-Valley
On the upcoming season of P-Valley:
“I think some time around the season of autumn leaves, when there is a change in weather, you should be taking a trip Down in the Valley. It’s definitely this year. It is groundbreaking in another way. You shall be moved. You shall be healed. You shall be stirred.”
On the personal inspiration behind his advocacy:
“As a former educator, having an 18 year old call you because they’re coming from the clinic and found out that they have HIV, is a different experience to wake up to. That changed me, and I was like, “Oh, no, we gotta talk about these things.” We have to talk about it, and it doesn’t have to be a lecture, it literally can just be a conversation.”
Bithiah Lafontant, Head of Enterprise Communications at ViiV Healthcare
On the lack of diverse representation in media:
“We don’t see just love stories where a person is living with HIV, we don’t see a rom-com, we don’t see a comedy where HIV is just a part of someone’s life. Those stories don’t really exist.”
On the gap in public awareness:
“When I talk to people about HIV, the majority of people – Black, Brown, young people – do not have any idea of the disproportionate impact on our community. People still think [HIV] is a white gay man disease, even though we know that Black women are several times more likely than white women to contract HIV. The Black community makes up about 13% of the population but almost a 1/3 of all HIV cases. And speaking about young people, 1 in 5 of new cases of HIV are in young people. So the communities that most need to be having conversations about HIV, are the ones that are not talking about it.”
Background on GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ+ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.
Background on ViiV Healthcare
ViiV Healthcare is the only global specialist HIV company 100% dedicated to delivering innovative medicines and support for people living with HIV and those at risk of acquiring HIV. For more information on the company, its management, portfolio, pipeline, and commitment, please visit www.viivhealthcare.com.
