At the GLAAD Awards, Rev. Dr. Jones will explain her work as a faith leader in the fight against HIV: “Ours is just one of many faith communities working to tell a new story about HIV. This is particularly important to me as both a faith leader in the South, and a member of the LGBTQ community. With Gilead’s help we are shifting the narrative about living with HIV, and erasing HIV stigma through education, grantmaking and storytelling. Stigma is a root cause of HIV, and like GLAAD, we know that sharing stories makes a big impact. The North Carolina Council of Churches, for instance, is disseminating loving and affirming HIV education and resources to over 6,200 congregations with about 1.5 million congregants and advocating for and creating sacred spaces for people living with HIV and their chosen families. They are among our trusted partners on the ground who are building the capacity of faith leaders and faith communities to talk about HIV in a new way. Whether you’re a person of faith, someone living with HIV, or a human being trying to create more empathy, understanding and compassion in our world – maybe all of the above – please join our efforts to amplify this work.”
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