On March 14, a various group of 30 or so Black girls convened for an intimate and highly effective gathering at Ventanas in Atlanta. The occasion was the most recent within the Dangerous: A Dinner Dialog sequence, an initiative designed to foster open, unfiltered discussions round HIV consciousness, testing, and prevention.
Wearing daring crimson as an emblem of HIV/AIDS consciousness, attendees have been invited to have interaction in candid dialogue in regards to the realities of the present public well being epidemic and the significance of taking management of their sexual well being.
Upon arrival, company signed a media waiver acknowledging the occasion’s visibility, an important step given the sensitivity surrounding HIV-related conversations.
Greater than only a dinner — the night was an immersive expertise. Along with the crimson gown code, your complete occasion area (produced by BLK Room Venture) was remodeled with crimson draped pillars and a tablescape that included intricate centerpieces. The staggering statistics surrounding new HIV diagnoses have been spelled out in signage all through the room.
Earlier than heading into the principle occasion, attendees participated in an interactive activation: every lady was given a pin to pop a balloon, simulating the method of getting examined for HIV. The 400 balloons represented the staggering actuality of Black girls disproportionately impacted by the virus.
“Every balloon represents a girl with an HIV prognosis to attribute to this truth: Black girls proceed to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, accounting for 54% of latest HIV infections in U.S. girls, regardless of making up solely 14% of the feminine inhabitants,” defined Dangerous co-founder Koiya McElroy.
The statistics are sobering. Black girls make up over 50% of latest HIV circumstances amongst girls in america, and in Atlanta alone, they account for almost 60% of latest diagnoses. Georgia ranks second within the nation for brand new HIV circumstances, and Atlanta ranks third amongst U.S. cities. These numbers spotlight why initiatives like Dangerous are important.
McElroy, who began Dangerous in Orlando, shared what motivated her to launch the initiative.
“I bear in mind the Florida Division of Well being approaching me about an HIV consciousness marketing campaign once I was on the radio. It was profitable, they usually wished to do one other one involving a billboard. I used to be excited, however they advised me they have been struggling to seek out media personalities prepared to place their face on a billboard related to HIV & AIDS. That was wild to me as a result of we’re the demographic most affected by this, but individuals have been afraid to speak about it. If I name myself an influencer, how might I not use my platform for one thing this necessary? That was my motivation. Dangerous began with three Black girls in Orlando who noticed the necessity to carry this to different cities. We’ve since expanded to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, and we’re taking it to 2 extra cities this yr.”
The dinner was hosted by Weezy, the dynamic voice behind the Choices, Choices podcast. She spoke brazenly about her personal evolution in understanding HIV and the significance of normal testing. All through the evening, company shared their private experiences, fears, and questions in a judgment-free area, reinforcing Dangerous’s mission to make these conversations much less taboo.
Whereas Gilead Sciences sponsored the occasion, a lot of the dialogue centered centered on consciousness quite than remedy; nonetheless, when discuss turned to prevention, a minimum of one attendee was in a position to share her expertise with PrEP (Pre-Publicity Prophylaxis), a medicine that considerably reduces the chance of HIV transmission when taken as prescribed.
“For years, PrEP was not broadly marketed towards Black girls,” McElroy advised BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Most ads featured white males, white girls, or same-sex male {couples}, typically excluding Black girls from the dialog. In consequence, many Black girls have been unaware that PrEP was an possibility accessible to them for HIV prevention. Dangerous goals to extend consciousness surrounding PrEP to make sure black girls have entry to correct details about this life-saving medicine.”
There have been additionally Gilead representatives and an authorized nurse in attendance, who have been in a position to make clear or dismiss misconceptions about HIV – like the notion that the illness will be dormant in your bloodstream for years or the mythology that rich people like Magic Johnson have entry to completely different therapies than different individuals residing with HIV. Visitors have been assured that sufferers who search remedy can cease the virus from replicating, rendering the illness undetectable and reducing the percentages of passing it on. It’s additionally necessary to notice that testing expertise has improved through the years, making it simpler for the virus to be detected earlier. All of these elements assist underscore why it’s so vital that everybody is aware of their standing.
Between the heartfelt discussions, DJ Suga Shae saved the vitality excessive with a fastidiously curated soundtrack whereas company loved a chic three-course dinner paired with scrumptious mocktails. Earlier than the evening wrapped up, attendees gathered for group and solo photographs, capturing a second of solidarity and empowerment.
Dangerous: A Dinner Dialog continues to redefine how Black girls have interaction with HIV consciousness, proving that schooling, empowerment, and sisterhood go hand in hand. With plans to broaden its attain even additional, this initiative is about to have a good better affect in breaking down stigmas and saving lives — one dialog at a time.
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