HIV: Pathway to Progress

In this powerful season finale of Pathway to Progress, we reflect on the transformative journey of our podcast series alongside two of FreeState Justice’s leading voices—Executive Director Phillip Westry and Advocacy, Policy, & Partnerships Director Ronnie Taylor.Together, they revisit the impactful conversations that have defined this season, highlighting the collective wisdom of advocates, experts, and changemakers dedicated to advancing equity for people living with HIV. At the heart of this episode is a deep dive into the Carlton R. Smith Jr. Act—a groundbreaking piece of Maryland legislation that aims to repeal outdated and harmful HIV criminalization laws.Join us as we celebrate the progress made, honor the voices that brought us here, and look ahead to the vital work still to come in the fight for decriminalization and justice.—Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In this special episode of Pathway to Progress, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our previous 11 conversations, featuring insightful pieces of wisdom from leading HIV advocates and public health experts.From decriminalization to challenging stigma, these highlights showcase the dynamic efforts being made to reshape our medical systems and society into one that is equitable for all—regardless of HIV status. Join us as we celebrate the voices of change and progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic.Tune in for a journey through the conversations that are pushing the boundaries of activism and creating a more just and inclusive world.--Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 11 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Kytara Epps, Public Health and Advocacy Strategist at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Kytara, a passionate public health practitioner, discusses her work at the intersection of reproductive health and HIV advocacy today. She explores the evolving role of public health practices, how innovative forms of activism not only challenge HIV stigma but pushes the fight for decriminalization nationwide. Tune in to learn from Kytara’s insights on how these dynamic approaches are helping to reshape the fight against the HIV epidemic.--Visit www.hivlawandpolicy.org to learn more about Kytara’s work.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 10 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah A. Schmalzle, Medical Director of the THRIVE Program at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Schmalzle discusses the medical industry's response to the HIV epidemic, the importance of healthcare professionals in breaking down barriers, and the disproportionate impact of HIV criminalization and stigma on marginalized communities.Tune in to learn about the critical role Dr. Schmalzle and her team play in providing care and advocating for a more inclusive healthcare system for those living with HIV.--Visit www.ihv.org/thrive to learn more about the THRIVE Program.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 9 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Melanie Reese, Executive Director of Older Women Embracing Life (OWEL) and constant collaborator at the SERO Project. Melanie has dedicated her career to supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, helping them live full, productive, and joyful lives. In this conversation, Melanie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with HIV and how her experiences with stigma and discrimination have fueled her advocacy work. She discusses the importance of decriminalization and how she fights to change the narrative surrounding HIV, particularly for older individuals today.Tune in to hear about the challenges this community faces and the work Melanie and her fellow advocates do to empower them to live fulfilling lives free from stigma and discrimination.--Visit owelinc.org to learn more about how Melanie and her team supports older women living with HIV/AIDS.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the free legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 8 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we explore the crucial role HIV advocates and medical providers play in building inclusive, supportive communities for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium, this panel brings together leaders from ViiV Healthcare, AIDS United, Safe Haven Therapy Services, The Center of Black Equity, Capital Ballroom Council, and The House of Balenciaga.The panelists share their expertise in providing culturally competent care and support to communities that have historically been marginalized by the medical system. They discuss the importance of addressing stigma, building trust, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals have access to the HIV care and resources they need to thrive. From advocacy to healthcare, the discussion highlights the ongoing work to create a more equitable healthcare system for everyone.This episode was sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.--Visit www.viivhealthcare.com to learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to HIV prevention.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, hosts Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 7 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we focus on the critical role healthcare providers play in ensuring access to vital resources for communities most impacted by HIV. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium, this panel discussion brings together experts from the Pride Center of Baltimore, Chase Brexton, the Health Department of Baltimore City, and Heart to Hand, Inc.The panelists share their experiences in providing care to underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of building trust and dismantling stigma in healthcare settings. They discuss strategies for ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to the care, support, and resources they need to live healthy lives, regardless of their background or circumstances.Tune in to hear from these experts as they explore the ongoing work to connect those most in need with the resources and healthcare services that can help improve their lives and reduce the spread of HIV.This episode was sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.--Visit www.viivhealthcare.com to learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to HIV prevention.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, hosts Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 6 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium. This conversation centers on the fight for HIV decriminalization, featuring experts from the Equality Federation, Center for HIV Law and Policy, Older Women Embracing Life, and FreeState Justice.The panelists dive into what it’s like to advocate for HIV decriminalization on both personal and professional levels, sharing the challenges and victories they’ve encountered. They discuss the ongoing efforts for decriminalization in various states across the U.S., highlighting the urgent need to shift policies that criminalize individuals living with HIV. Tune in to hear these experts share their insights on the fight for HIV decriminalization and the path toward a future where people living with HIV are treated equitably. This episode was sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.--Visit www.viivhealthcare.com to learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to HIV prevention.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, hosts Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 5 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress event held in Maryland last month. Experts from Total Healthcare Baltimore, Chase Brexton, the Human Rights Campaign, Gilead, and FreeState Justice join us to dive deep into the world of HIV prevention, PrEP, PEP, and beyond.In this conversation, professionals on the frontlines share insights into the urgent need for access to PrEP today, the stigma still holding communities back, and the challenges they face in spreading vital HIV prevention information. They also discuss their hopes for the future of HIV decriminalization and ensuring equitable access to prevention resources.Tune in to hear these experts shed light on the challenges and progress being made in HIV prevention, and learn how we can all contribute to a healthier, more inclusive future for those at risk.This episode was sponsored by ViiV Healthcare. --Visit www.viivhealthcare.com to learn more about ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to HIV prevention.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, hosts Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 4 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Mike Elizabeth, Director of Public Health Policy at Equality Federation. Mike works at the intersection of LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health, helping policymakers implement inclusive policies that improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities and push for HIV prevention. In this conversation, Mike shares how they collaborate with local organizations to amplify their advocacy efforts, using their lived experience to advocate for meaningful policy change on the national stage.Tune in to hear about the work being done to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have equitable access to healthcare and the support needed to build a healthier, more inclusive future.--Visit www.equalityfederation.org to learn more about how Mike fights for a healthier world for all. Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina

In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 2), we continue our conversation with Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project. After serving 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, Kerry used his time behind bars to deepen his understanding of the legal system, turning the knowledge he gained from this experience into a powerful tool for advocacy.In this episode, Kerry delves into how he began to leverage his experience to support others being criminalized for their HIV status. He reflects on his transition from surviving the system to challenging it, advocating for policy reform, and working with others to dismantle harmful laws.--Visit www.seroproject.com to learn more about Kerry’s fight for justice reform.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina

In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration, we’re joined by Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project, for a powerful conversation about his personal journey and the fight for HIV decriminalization. Kerry served 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, and during his incarceration, he became a vocal advocate. He collaborated with outreach organizations, engaged with the media, and worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by prisoners living with HIV.In this episode, Kerry reflects on his experience with the justice system, the ongoing impact of HIV criminalization, and how his time behind bars became a catalyst for his advocacy work. He shares how he turned his own story into a driving force for systemic change and justice reform.Don’t forget to return in two weeks on Thursday, January 16th, for Part 2 of his journey.--Visit www.seroproject.com to learn more about Kerry’s fight for justice reform.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In the second episode of Pathway to Progress, FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Robert Suttle, an advocate directly impacted by the criminalization of HIV. Listen in as the trio discusses the intersection of HIV, Criminalization, and Race, exploring the history of HIV in the U.S. and how stigma and discriminatory laws continue to affect marginalized communities today. Robert shares his personal experiences and his ongoing activism to challenge these harmful laws, as well as his work to push for the decriminalization of HIV nationwide.Stick around to hear about the importance of community support in fighting for justice and how Robert stays grounded in his vital work fighting for people living with HIV.--Visit www.robertsuttle.com to learn more about Robert’s fight against HIV criminalization.Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org.Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Jada Hicks, Senior Attorney at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Listen in as the trio discusses the history of HIV in the U.S. and the stigmas that led to its criminalization. Then stick around till the end to learn about the amazing work Hicks sees from advocates fighting for decriminalization and what keeps her grounded as she enacts this vital work every single day. ---Visit www.hivlawandpolicy.org to learn more about Jada's fight against HIV criminalization. Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState's fight to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with the FREE legal services they need at freestate-justice.org. Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina. 

Welcome to Pathway to Progress, a podcast dedicated to the fight for HIV justice and decriminalization across the country. Hosted by Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, each episode features insightful conversations with a rotating panel of co-hosts and expert guests. Together, they explore the history of HIV in the U.S., the ongoing challenges of HIV criminalization, and the bold actions being taken to create a future where everyone—regardless of their status—can live without fear or discrimination.We're excited to offer you a sneak peek at what you can expect in the upcoming episodes, and we invite you to join us on this journey of fighting against HIV criminalization today!Brought to you by FreeState Justice, Maryland’s leading LGBTQ+ legal nonprofit.