Description:

This screening of HIV and the Journey Toward Zero: Part 2 will be followed by a Q&A with guest panelists from the documentary. The event is hosted by ISGMH's CONNECT and EDIT Programs.

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

Time: 12:00 - 2:00pm Central Time

Location:

625 N. Michigan Avenue

Suite 1400, Stonewall Conference Room

Chicago, IL 60611

This is a hybrid event. Attendees may join virtually or in person. Lunch will be provided for in-person guests who register by Monday, February 26th.

About the Film:

"HIV and the Journey Toward Zero sparks important conversations around the end of the HIV epidemic. What does 'the end' mean for those who have been there from the start, those living with HIV today and those leading the way to an HIV-free future?"

HIV and the Journey Toward Zero spotlights the perspective of some of Chicago’s most prominent activists. The film is presented in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Tessa Films and local community organizations. Join us as we hear from long-term survivors, newly diagnosed individuals, clinicians, researchers and community leaders — the voices that, together, can make HIV history.

About the Panelists:

Terry Dudley is a Black queer activist with extensive knowledge and experience in STI and HIV prevention, testing and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the LGBTQ+ community. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Terry uses his own experience to understand the needs of queer folks of color, striving to ensure every voice is heard.

Joshua Gates is a Black gay man and a native Chicagoan. While he continues growing and learning, Joshua has proudly overcome the stigmas of homelessness and his HIV+ status during his personal journey. He is passionate about helping young Black men prioritize themselves, and feels that communities need to offer resources and support to this important group.

Karma Munez joined HIV and the Journey Toward Zero: The Legacy to share his experience maintaining his HIV-negative status. He is a Black HIV advocate and healthcare professional who uses his work in the ballroom community to build trusting relationships and talk to folks about HIV and health. Karma has been a part of the ballroom scene for more than 10 years, and currently serves as the Legendary Mother of the House of Gorgeous Gucci.

Cynthia Tucker, Dr. P.H., is the SVP of Community Partnerships and Special Projects at the AIDS Foundation Chicago. She has worked in HIV for over 25 years and has been an invaluable leader for the organization's prevention initiatives, capacity building, and corrections case management program. Her leadership behind STI/HIV programs has changed thousands of lives and molded AFC's reputation as an innovative leader in the HIV/AIDS movement. Currently, she is the project director on two HRSA SPNS grant. Project focuses on Improving Care and Treatment Coordination focusing on Black women and creating sustainable housing for justice involved populations.  She also leads several other special projects including improving PrEP uptake for Latinx same gender loving men and building capacity and technical assistance for Black led organizations. Dr. Tucker has been a previous member of several community planning and advocacy groups including: the Chicago-area HIV Integrated Services Council (CAHISC), the Illinois HIV Prevention Planning Group, and the Illinois Reentry Council.

Milani Varela is an Afro-Latinx, gender nonconforming, drag performer, activist, and the Lead Navigator for Essential Support Services at CALOR, an affiliation of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Named one of the “POZ 100” in POZ magazine, she has worked in HIV prevention since 2008. She is a Community Advisory Board member at Getting To Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) & an Ambassador for CDC’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together” Program. Her work includes presenting at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS twice on how to disseminate information on HIV, PrEP, PEP, COVID-19 & MPOX vaccines in Black & Latinx communities. Milani is part of the vogue ballroom scene and the former mother of the Iconic House of Ninja. As a pageant queen and current reigning National Diosa Latina USA Plus 2023, Milani has been able to use beauty pageants & ballroom as a platform to expand her work in HIV prevention. She has won many pageants, trophies at balls, and received many awards from community leaders and organizations, but her biggest reward is being able to continue to do the work for her community.