047: HIV Must-Knows for Women in 2024 with the Positive Women’s Network

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. It affects an estimated 1.2 million people in the US and can have a devastating effect on both the body and mind. This is especially true for black and brown individuals with HIV, and even more so black and brown women with HIV. Join us with Marnina and Antoinette from the Positive Women’s Network (PWN) as they share their personal stories of HIV diagnosis, the latest research, finding advocacy through the PWN, and how they are making a life-altering impact on policies regarding HIV. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• The real-life impact of HIV on individuals and how it shapes their path to activism. 
• Insights into the latest advancements in HIV treatment and care. 
• The significance of the U equals U campaign and its empowering message. 
• The persistent challenges and health disparities faced by women living with HIV.  
• How laws and the legal system target those who are HIV +. 
• Practical strategies for self-advocacy and leading a healthy, dignified life.  
• The importance of addressing under-discussed women’s health issues related to HIV. 

More about Marnina and Antoinette:

Marnina Miller is a highly accomplished Human Rights Activist, Speaker, Trainer, and Social Media Strategist with a profound commitment to fostering positive change in society. She is the Co-Executive Director of Positive Women’s Network-USA. Her expertise in HIV Activism has garnered significant recognition, leading to features on prominent media outlets such as Vice News, National Public Radio (NPR), and the YouTube Original Series: HIV Disclosure and Dating. 

Antoinette Jones began her work with HIV advocacy in her early 20s, as a Peer Navigator, facilitating access to preventative care and treatment for people living with and at risk for HIV. She identifies as a Vertical Woman Living with HIV, meaning she has been living with HIV since Birth. Antoinette was called to peer advocacy to combat the isolation many people born with HIV go through due to the lack of awareness. Antoinette has worked with organizations serving Black women and people of transgender experience developing programs, advancements in healthcare services, and mentorship/leadership development. She also works with HIV providers to improve services for PLWHIV. Antoinette is the Co-Executive Director of Dandelions, Inc., a non-profit that centers the development of Verticals (people born with HIV) through mentorship, trauma, healing, and peer-to-peer interventions.