Storytelling has long shaped how communities are seen, understood, and remembered. At this year’s American Black Film Festival, happy and ViiV Healthcare We brought that idea into clear focus with conversations centered around Black queer voices and the role media can play in combating HIV stigma.
Panels held at the Truist Pavilion at the New World Center titled: From stories to impact: Black queer stories and allies drive culture and changebrought together artists, advocates, and industry leaders for a discussion about representation, public consciousness, and the power of authentic storytelling.
Moderated by journalist Shah Jossel, this conversation featured P Valley star Nikko Annan, comedian Brandi Dennis, author Harmony Fortune, and Vicia LaFontanne, head of enterprise communications at ViiV Healthcare.
The event comes as advocates say conversations around HIV prevention and treatment remain critically important, especially for communities that continue to experience disproportionate rates of infection while receiving less exposure in mainstream media.
Why representation still matters
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that Black queer stories are not just interesting. You can challenge assumptions, build empathy, and create opportunities for your audience to engage with often misunderstood issues.
“Storytelling is always a catalyst for change, which is why this moment is so important. At ViiV Healthcare, we understand that eradicating HIV is not just about innovation and science, but also about changing culture, moving hearts, and confronting prejudice head on,” said LaFontanne.
She added that partnerships like ViiV Healthcare and GLAAD help bring creators, viewers, and supporters together through stories that reflect lived experiences.
“Telling stories that reflect the authentic experiences of people whose lives have been affected by the impact of HIV creates understanding and brings us one step closer to ending the epidemic.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, also highlighted the current urgency, noting growing concerns about HIV education and awareness.
“With dangerous funding cuts and a lack of HIV awareness among young people, there is a real and urgent need for more conversation and awareness about HIV treatment and prevention,” Ellis said. “Our partnership with ViiV Healthcare aims to reduce stigma and increase education by advocating and providing a platform for the most affected and most knowledgeable communities.”
The story that disappeared from the screen
One recurring theme during the panel discussion was the lack of diverse portrayals of people living with HIV on television and film.
Lafontant argued that many depictions remain limited and often focus on diagnoses and tragedies rather than showing people living fulfilling lives.
“We don’t just see love stories about people living with HIV. We don’t see romantic comedies, we don’t see comedies where HIV is just a part of someone’s life. Those stories don’t really exist.”
Her comments highlighted broader challenges facing the entertainment industry. While conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion have expanded in recent years, HIV is still often treated as a niche topic rather than an everyday reality that affects millions of people around the world.
Panelists suggested that normalizing these on-screen experiences could help dispel misconceptions that persist decades after the outbreak.
Nikko Annan talks advocacy and dialogue
For Annan, advocacy is deeply personal.
The actor shared how a phone call from a former student helped shape his perspective on openly discussing HIV.
“As a former educator, it’s a different experience to wake up and have an 18-year-old call me from the clinic and find out they have HIV. It changed me and I thought, ‘Oh, no, we have to talk about these things.'” We have to talk about it, but it doesn’t have to be a lecture, it can literally be just a conversation. ”
His remarks underscored one of the panel’s central messages: that meaningful change often begins with everyday conversations.
Annan also gave fans a teaser about the upcoming season. P Valleydelivers his updates with the same theatrical flair that made his portrayal of Uncle Clifford a fan favorite.
“I think it’s a good idea to take a trip to Down in the Valley during the fall foliage season and the change in weather. Definitely this year. It’s groundbreaking in a different way. You’ll be moved. You’ll be healed. You’ll be moved.”
Address persistent perception gaps
Mr. Lafontant also spoke about misconceptions commonly encountered when discussing HIV, especially among younger audiences.
“When you talk to people about HIV, the vast majority have no idea that it disproportionately impacts our communities, whether it’s Black people, brown people, or young people.”
He noted that many people continue to associate HIV primarily with white gay men, despite data showing the virus is affecting a wide range of communities.
“People still think that [HIV] HIV is a disease of white gay men, even though we know that black women are several times more likely to be infected with HIV than white women. Black communities make up about 13% of the population, but almost one-third of all HIV infections. And when it comes to young people, they account for one in five new HIV infections. So the communities that need to talk about HIV the most are the ones that aren’t talking about HIV. ”
These statistics served as a reminder of why many advocates continue to push for greater visibility on and off screen.
From entertainment to impact
The conversation at ABFF reflected a growing movement within media and entertainment to connect representation with real-world consequences. For GLAAD and ViiV Healthcare, that means elevating stories that not only reflect the Black queer experience, but also educate, understand, and inspire action.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, one message remained clear: storytelling can be a powerful tool for changing culture. Whether through television, comedy, film, or digital media, authentic stories have the power to challenge prejudice, expand consciousness, and help communities see themselves as honest, human reflections.
For organizations working to end stigma around HIV, the impact goes far beyond the screen.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
