Understanding HIV Stigma means starting at the root and uncovering the misconceptions, biases, and language that keeps society full of trauma and triggers around HIV. Further, as people who participate in this work, it is essential for us to have tangible ways to change our outlooks that contribute to stigma remaining pervasive in society. In this training, we will speak on the implicit and explicit bias that contributes to stigma societally and professionally and give tangible ways to reduce stigma; thereby, helping to reduce the transmission of HIV and the uptake of PrEP and ART for people most affected by HIV.

We discuss actions we can take NOW to end HIV.  We will also discuss the work currently being done at the national and local levels. Members of the Professional Association of Social Workers in HIV & AIDS (PASWHA) and Community members will share their perspectives including lived and professional experiences.

An estimated 2.4 million elders identify as LGBTQ in the United States, with another generation aging into elderhood expecting that number to double. Unfortunately, there is no data available regarding the number of Canadians aged 65 and older who identify as members of the LGBTQ community – which only further cements the urgency of this education. The healthcare and aging services industries are ill equipped to support the unique needs of the transgender community. While conversations have advanced to make visible the invisible generation of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual elders - who have shown themselves to be the most resilient - research, best practices, and inclusive care continue to alienate our trans elders. This is a community who has experienced demonization by the very systems that aim to care for them now – the Trans 101: Escaping the Binary presentation aims to tackle what gender expansion is, identify the unique barriers of this community, but most importantly: examine our own collective and individual responsibilities as healthcare representatives to advance the change necessary to center trans elders lives, and eliminate the barriers that keep them from dying with dignity.

Black Women and HIV Research: Join our esteemed panel of Black women researchers and study participants as we explore the state of Black Women in HIV Research today, discuss strategies for increased representation of Black women in key roles in HIV research, new initiatives developed to increase Black women's engagement in HIV research, and offer strategies for building trust to increase Black women's participation in research studies.