What Are We Learning About HIV Stigma in the U.S.? Community-Led Research, Evidence and Action
October 26, 2026
How can HIV stigma research better reflect the experiences of people living with HIV and contribute to meaningful change?
On October 26, the International PLHIV Stigma Index Partnership brought together community advocates, researchers, and national partners for a webinar exploring HIV stigma research in the United States, with a focus on community leadership, collaboration, and translating evidence into action.
The discussion featured insights from the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0, alongside emerging research approaches, experiences from Austin, Texas, where findings are informing community-led action planning, and Louisiana, where organizations are working to expand earlier research statewide despite ongoing funding challenges.
Speakers also discussed the importance of financing community-led research beyond data collection, recognizing community expertise, and connecting existing research efforts to better understand intersectional and structural stigma.
Speakers
Keren Dunaway - Global PLHIV Stigma Index Coordinator, International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW)
Kalai Robinson - Manager, Center for HIV and Mental Health Stigma Elimination Strategies (CHIMES), Johns Hopkins University and Emory University
Dr. Rick Astray-Caneda III - Community Lead, PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 implementation in Austin, Texas
Dr. Athena Cross - Vice President and Chief Programs Officer, AIDS UnitedPresentation delivered without slides.
Jenny Holl - Policy Director, Women With A Vision, Louisiana
Moderator: Sophie Brion, Director of Global Programmes, International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW).
Throughout the conversation, participants explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration among networks of people living with HIV, researchers, and community organizations, and to connect community-led research with existing sources of evidence.
Watch the webinar recording
Missed the conversation? Watch the full recording to hear the presentations, experiences from local implementations, and discussion on the future of HIV stigma research in the United States.
Interested in learning more about the PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 or exploring implementation in the United States? Connect with the International PLHIV Stigma Index Partnership.
