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 connect...

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 eff...

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...

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...

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...

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 in...

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, i...

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 gue...

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...

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...

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...

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 engage...

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 wome...

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 no...

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,...

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...

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...