TL;DR
- Black queer creators are demanding better HIV representation in media.
- The ABFF panel highlighted the importance of authentic narratives.
- Advocates stress the need for more diverse portrayals of HIV.
- Conversations about HIV remain critical for affected communities.
- Storytelling can challenge stigma and promote understanding.
Storytelling has always been a powerful force in shaping how communities are perceived, understood, and remembered. At this year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), GLAAD and ViiV Healthcare brought that idea into sharp focus with an electrifying conversation centered on Black queer voices and the crucial role media can play in challenging HIV stigma. Held at the New World Center’s Truist Pavilion, the panel, titled From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change, gathered an ensemble of artists, advocates, and industry leaders for a discussion that was as enlightening as it was necessary.
Moderated by the fabulous journalist Shar Jossell, the panel featured a star-studded lineup including P-Valley’s own Nicco Annan, comedian Brandi Denise, writer Kharmony Fortune, and Bithiah Lafontant, Head of Enterprise Communications at ViiV Healthcare. This event comes at a time when advocates are sounding the alarm about the critical need for conversations around HIV prevention and treatment, especially for communities that continue to face disproportionate rates of infection while often being sidelined in mainstream media.
Why Representation Still Matters
Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that Black queer stories do more than just entertain—they challenge assumptions, build empathy, and create opportunities for audiences to engage with issues that are often misunderstood. “Storytelling has always been a catalyst for change, and that’s exactly why this moment matters,” Lafontant passionately declared. “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.”
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis echoed this urgency, pointing to the alarming trends in HIV education and awareness. “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,” she stated. “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.”
The Stories Missing From Screen
https://www.youtube.com/c/gayety
One of the recurring themes of the panel was the glaring absence of diverse portrayals of people living with HIV in television and film. Lafontant argued that many depictions remain limited, often focusing solely on diagnosis or tragedy rather than showcasing people living full, vibrant lives. “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,” she lamented. This highlights a broader challenge 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 a universal reality affecting millions.
Panelists suggested that normalizing these experiences on screen could help dismantle the misconceptions that continue to persist decades into the epidemic. Nicco Annan, known for his advocacy as much as for his acting, shared a deeply personal story that shaped his perspective on discussing HIV openly. “As a former educator, having an 18-year-old call you because they just found out they have HIV is a different experience to wake up to,” he revealed. “That changed me, and I was like, ‘Oh, no, we gotta talk about these things.’”
His remarks underscored one of the panel’s central messages: meaningful change often begins with everyday dialogue. Annan also teased fans about the upcoming season of P-Valley, delivering his update with the same theatrical flair that has made his portrayal of Uncle Clifford a fan favorite. “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.”
Addressing Persistent Gaps In Awareness
Lafontant also spoke about the misconceptions she regularly encounters when discussing HIV, particularly among younger audiences. “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,” she noted. Many still associate HIV primarily with white gay men, despite data showing that the virus affects a wide range of communities. “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.”
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of why many advocates are pushing for greater visibility both on and off screen. The conversation at ABFF reflected a growing movement within media and entertainment to connect representation with real-world outcomes. For GLAAD and ViiV Healthcare, that means elevating stories that not only reflect Black queer experiences but also encourage education, understanding, and action. As the panel concluded, one message remained clear: storytelling can be a powerful tool for cultural change. Whether through television, comedy, film, or digital media, authentic narratives have the ability to challenge stigma, expand awareness, and help communities see themselves reflected in ways that feel honest and human.