Stinging Stigma! with Dr. Dunn

So often, we talk about programs, strategies, and public health initiatives — but the true measure of success is the people whose lives are touched by them. The women who feel more informed, more confident, and more empowered to advocate for their health and the health of those around them. In today’s episode, we’re shining a light on the real impact of prevention, education, and community connection. You’ll hear a powerful testimonials from people who we have educated and/or partnered with to increase PrEP awareness for women and has experienced firsthand how education, support, and community engagement can transform the way we think about HIV prevention and tools like PrEP.These stories matter.They remind us that prevention is not just about medication — it’s about knowledge, access, sisterhood, and empowerment.Because when one woman learns about her options, she often shares that knowledge with another woman, and another, and another… and that’s how movements are built.So today, we’re celebrating voices of impact, stories of empowerment, and the power of prevention.Let’s dive in.

Today’s episode is a really special one because I’m joined by someone who brings both personal experience and real-world perspective to the conversation about PrEP.My guest today is Adonis Brown. He is a close friend of mine who has been a long-term PrEP user for over a decade. For the past 11 years, he has been taking Truvada for PrEP and has remained HIV negative — a powerful example of how effective HIV prevention can be when people have access to the right tools and information.In this episode, we’re diving into some incredibly relevant and practical topics that many people are curious about but don’t always get the chance to discuss openly. We talk about PrEP on college campuses, patient assistance programs, online and mail-order PrEP services, how people can navigate healthcare systems when providers make assumptions, and the importance of open conversations about STI testing with sexual partners.We’ll also break down the differences between PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), discuss emerging strategies like DoxyPEP, and explore how public conversations — including those involving celebrities — are helping normalize HIV prevention.And importantly, we also touch on how prevention tools like PrEP can benefit to women and even including people who inject drugs, highlighting the importance of making prevention accessible to everyone.This episode is packed with honest insights, lived experience, and practical information about navigating prevention in today’s world.So whether you’re new to PrEP, curious about your options, or simply interested in hearing from someone who has successfully used PrEP for over a decade, this conversation is for you.Let’s get into it.

The power of influence — because sometimes the most transformative thing we can do is simply start talking.My guest today is Koiya, a passionate sexual health advocate and the host of the podcast Talk! with Koiya. Through her platform, Koiya is helping normalize conversations about sexual health by creating a space where people can ask questions, share their experiences, and learn without shame or judgment.Her show, created in partnership with the incredible public health initiative Talk Test Treat, encourages people to speak openly about topics that are often considered taboo — from testing and prevention to relationships and self-advocacy in healthcare.What makes Koiya’s work so powerful is her ability to blend education with social media influence and impact. By sharing personal stories and engaging directly with her audience, she helps listeners see that sexual health conversations don’t have to be uncomfortable — they can actually be empowering.In today’s conversation, we’re talking about the importance of open dialogue, the role of media and storytelling in reducing stigma, and how platforms like podcasts can help more people learn about tools like PrEP and other ways to protect their health.Because the more we talk, the more we normalize. And the more we normalize, the more people feel empowered to seek information, ask questions, and take control of their health.So get ready for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about sexual health, storytelling, and the power of speaking up.

Today’s episode is one that I know so many of you are going to love because we’re diving into a topic that has historically been surrounded by silence, shame, and stigma — pleasure, sexuality, and sexual health for women, especially women of color.My guest today is Ashley Cobb, a certified and award-winning sexual health educator, writer, and the author of the powerful book Pleasure Please! The Black Woman’s Guide to Better Sex. What makes this conversation especially powerful is that Ashley doesn’t just educate about sexual health — she lives the message as well. As a woman who takes PrEP, she understands firsthand how prevention can be an empowering tool for protecting your health and taking control of your sexual wellbeing.In this episode, we’ll talk about how pleasure and prevention can coexist, why PrEP should be part of the conversation for women, and how shifting the narrative around sexuality can help more women feel confident advocating for their health.Ashley’s work reminds us that sexual health is about — empowerment, knowledge, and freedom.If you would like to purchase a copy of Ashley's book:Pleasure, Please!: The Black Woman's Guide to Unapologetic Pleasure and Confidence by Ashley K. Cobb, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®Follow her on IG @sexwithashley

There are huge disparities among people who use PrEP for HIV prevention (91% male and 9% female). Today’s episode is a really important one because we’re talking about health equity, access to prevention, and what it truly means to navigate healthcare systems that don’t always serve everyone equally.My guest, Dr. Tucker-Seeley, is a dynamic public health leader in the health equity space. He’s an expert who has developed a powerful framework designed to address health disparities and help organizations rethink how they deliver care to the communities that need it most.But what makes this conversation especially meaningful is that his work isn’t just academic — it’s personal. As a gay man who is also on PrEP, he brings lived experience to the conversation about HIV prevention, access, and navigating healthcare systems that can sometimes be confusing, stigmatizing, or difficult to access.In this discussion, we’ll explore how his health equity strategies and framework can help close the gaps in HIV prevention for women, why PrEP access still looks different across communities, and what lessons from the LGBTQ+ community can help empower more women to learn about and access PrEP.He’ll also share practical insights for women who may be curious about PrEP but aren’t sure where to start — offering advice on how to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and take control of your health.At the end of the day, HIV prevention should be accessible, informed, and stigma-free for everyone.Press play and get into this important conversation.Click on the link below to learn more about Dr. Tucker-Seeley's Framework.Framework — Health Equity Strategies & SolutionsThank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

She Is PrEPalicious! — the space where women come together to learn, uplift one another, and lead the future of HIV prevention for women.In today’s episode, Monica May and Dr. Dunn shares the power of sisterhood — between two non-profit leaders who became friends — because when women support women, real change happens.Through our She is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program, we have trained an incredible amount of women who are stepping up as PrEP Ambassadors — fearless advocates who are breaking the silence around HIV prevention, sharing knowledge in their circles of influence, and reminding other women that protecting your health is not something to hide… it’s something to celebrate.Monica is breaking barriers as an PrEP Ambassador and increasing PrEP awareness among women 50 years old and up in our community. This sisterhood is proof that when one woman learns about PrEP, she can empower an entire circle of women to do the same.In today’s conversation, we’re talking about what it means to lead change through sisterhood — how women can show up for one another, have honest conversations about sexual health, and create spaces where knowledge replaces fear and empowerment replaces stigma.Because HIV prevention isn’t just a medical conversation — it’s a community movement. And when women stand together, share resources, and lift each other up, we move closer to a future where every woman knows her options and has the power to protect her health.Let’s dive into this conversation about leadership, sisterhood, and building a PrEPared generation of women.Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

Today’s episode highlights something incredibly powerful: the role of community advocates in creating real change.So often, the most impactful leaders in health education aren’t always found behind podiums or in policy rooms — they’re found right in the community, listening, supporting, educating, and standing beside people as they navigate their health journeys.My guest today, April Johnson, is one of those incredible voices. She is a dedicated community advocate who works at the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention. She is deeply committed to raising awareness about sexual health, HIV prevention, and the importance of accessible, stigma-free information. Through her work, she helps create safe spaces where people can ask questions, learn about their options, and feel supported in making decisions about their health.Community advocates like her are often the bridge between knowledge and action — helping translate complex health information into real conversations that resonate with everyday people. They are educators, connectors, and champions for the communities they serve.In today’s conversation, we’ll talk about what it really means to advocate at the community level, the barriers many women face when trying to access prevention tools like PrEP, and how grassroots leadership and sisterhood can help change the narrative around sexual health.Because when communities are informed, supported, and empowered — real transformation happens.

In today's episode, we’re diving into a conversation about HIV stigma, culture, resilience, and what it really means to support people living with and affected by HIV. For many people, HIV is still surrounded by silence, judgment, and misunderstanding. But the truth is, when we listen to real stories and real experiences, that’s where stigma begins to lose its power.Join me as I interview our guest, Anthony McNeil, who is doing incredible work on the frontlines of this movement providing Psychosocial Support at the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP). Anthony is one of the leaders of the local HIV Stigma Task Force — walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments—helping them navigate diagnosis, fear, trauma, and the complicated intersections of culture, faith, relationships, and health.In this conversation, we’re talking about the realities many people don’t see or discuss openly—how family, culture and community shape the way we talk about HIV, how people move forward after experiences like molestation and sexual assault. He is a lifeline for ending stigma and igniting healing through empowerment. Thank you CVS Health® for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program. Together we can make a difference!

Today’s episode is powerful, personal, and deeply important. We’re joined by an incredible and powerful woman, Ida Henson-Starks, who is courageously sharing her journey of living and thriving with HIV. Her story is not one of shame or silence— it's one of strength, resilience, and faith as she walks with Christ.Through her lived experience, her testimony overpowers stigma as she encourages other women to have self-love and to take control of their sexual health. Today, she’s here to speak directly to HIV-negative women about prevention, awareness, and why tools like PrEP can be life-changing when it comes to protecting ourselves and the people we love.This conversation is about breaking stigma, choosing knowledge over fear, and understanding that prevention is not just about medicine—it’s about self-love, self-advocacy, and making informed choices for your future.Her voice is a reminder that our stories matter, our health matters, and that together we can build a world where women feel empowered to protect themselves without shame or judgment, even in faith-based settings.So, get ready for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that centers truth, courage, and the power of prevention.Let’s go! Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

In the U.S., 19% of new HIV diagnosis was among youth 13 - 24 years old. This is a population who could also greatly benefit from PrEP awareness, knowing your status, and receiving HIV education. On this PrEP Talk! episode, Ymani Latty, one of the participants in our She Is PrEPalicious® Media Campaign, who represented the youth population. She shares how she learned about PrEP and HIV statistics among women during an annual checkup with her doctor and the importance of normalizing discussions about PrEP with her close friends.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it recommended that everyone between the ages of 13 - 64 years old get tested at least once annually. We need more healthcare providers who are willing to incorporate HIV testing and PrEP education as a normal part of routine healthcare which can in turn help reduce stigma and normalize the conversation centering prevention and treatment.Click on the link below to find an HIV Testing Site in your community. HIV Testing Sites & Care Services LocatorThank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!Thank you, Florida Department of Health, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® Media Campaign.

In today's society and in the media, there are so many different types of relationships beyond the traditional roles as we know it. The discussion in this episode challenges traditional ideas and unveils stigma as it relates to Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) and invites us to think about autonomy, honesty, clear communication. Establishing boundaries are essential in these spaces. Should people in ENM relations prioritize PrEP? Do you think this is as an important part of protecting themselves and their partners sexual health and wellness? Let's talk about it! Knowledge is power and prevention is care!Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

Dr. J. Richelle Joe is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education with an emphasis in school counseling. In her teaching, research, and service. She priorities cultural responsiveness to the holistic health needs of all clients with an emphasis on those who have been historically underserved. At UCF, she leads H.E.A.R.T., the HIV Education, Awareness, and Research Team, through which she engages in various collaborative projects to address the multiple and complex effects of HIV/AIDS locally and nationally.This episode sits at the intersection of family, research, HIV prevention, and mental health — four areas that are deeply connected but often talked about separately.Mental health plays a powerful role in how people access care, how they make decisions about prevention, and how they move forward after diagnosis. Dr. Joe recognizes prevention is not just biomedical — it’s emotional, social, and deeply human.Tune in to learn about her divine connections that inspires her to live life in full bloom. Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

Serena Cleveland is a woman who has been on PrEP since 2018. In this episode, she shares her PrEP story, how she overcame life as a former sex worker, and the importance of utilizing condoms with PrEP as an extra layer of protection to reduce chances of contracting HIV. Tune in as she also shares her unique involvement in PrEP research studies for women and how she now advocates to help other women in the community who engage in sex work to protect themselves. This is a story of transformation, her thoughts on Tamar Braxton using PrEP, and how pharmacist can have a positive impact on increasing patient's comfort with taking PrEP. Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

Women represent 1 in 5 (20%) of new HIV diagnosis annually. Among females, Black women remain to be the most disproportionately impacted by this disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a beneficial tool for all men and women, however, in this episode, Dr. Dunn explains the reason why she created the She Is PrEPalicious® Media Campaign specifically for Black women; a population where PrEP is not heavily marketed to. The goal of this campaign was to help increase PrEP awareness and representation. It is important to note, this is the very first PrEP multimedia marketing campaign for Black women in Orlando, FL (and second in the State of Florida) to create billboards and mobile advertisements. Through strategic planning and targeted marketing, this campaign has reached over 4.5 million people across the Central Florida area after 13 weeks and it was the first place winner of the 2023 PrEPpy Award at Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit. Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!Thank you, Florida Department of Health, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® Media Campaign.

In Season 2 of the Stinging Stigma Podcast, Dr. Dunn, shares her vision, impact, and the importance behind why she created the She is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program and multimedia campaign in efforts to help reduce the spread of HIV specifically among women. This is a population greatly impacted by HIV, yet often left out of the conversation. Dr. Dunn is an HIV Prevention Strategist, Coach, and Consultant for women and girls. She believes shared and applied knowledge is power -- and this is how we sting stigma against PrEP, one episode at a time. Thank you, CVS Health®, for sponsoring our She Is PrEPalicious® HIV Prevention Program! Together we can make a difference!

HIV is not a crime.  Tune in to listen to our special guest, Kamaria Laffrey, as she describes what HIV criminalization is and how individuals living with HIV can protect themselves using a HIV disclosure contract.  Press Play.  

Believe it or not, people living with HIV/AIDS can still find love, have sex, and HIV free babies.  On this weeks episode, I am so excited to interview special guest Wanona "NuNu" Thomas and Chaz Barnes who are in a heterosexual, mixed status relationship.  Press play to get a glimpse of what's it's like in their relationship, such as, how they met, the process of disclosure, dating, sex, opinions of family and friends, and treatment (TasP, U=U, and PrEP). Our Nurse Practitioner/Health Facilitator, Natesha Stevenson, gives a health tip for couples. Subscribe and Press Play.

There are several types of stigma! In this episode, Dr. Dunn defines what stigma is and dives into 7 different types of stigma. She also provides examples of each type of stigma and negative effects it can have on individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  Our Nurse Practitioner/Health Facilitator gives a health tip for COVID-19.  Press Play. 

Stigma can have negative effects on people living with HIV/AIDS; mentally, physically, and emotionally.  With this podcast, ultimately it is my goal to increase HIV awareness among the general public and to help our listeners learn do's and don'ts when it comes to this disease.  In each episode, myself and/or special guests will tackle different areas of HIV-related stigma commonly seen among the general public. If you are living with HIV/AIDS or have a family member living with HIV/AIDS and you would like to share your story and be a special guest on the Stinging Stigma™ Podcast, email me at [email protected]. Subscribe and press play.  #letsgetintoit