At NCAAN, we are committed to growing advocates and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience in the effort to end the HIV epidemic. One such advocate is Leoronald “Junior” Reid, CEO, and Founder of Living HAPI, a nonprofit organization serving individuals in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Junior’s commitment to bridging gaps in access to resources and advocating for equitable healthcare is inspiring, and we were honored to provide him with a scholarship to attend AIDSWatch 2024. In this blog post, we delve into Junior’s experience at the conference and the impact it has had on his advocacy journey.
Junior’s journey into advocacy stems from a deeply personal place. As a person living with HIV, he was motivated to address the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS in the southern regions and the barriers hindering access to essential healthcare services like PrEP. Reflecting on his motivations for doing this work, Junior shares, “My undergraduate capstone led me to understand there are so many barriers to individuals. Those are the things that inspire me to be able to go talk to policymakers.”
AIDSWatch exceeded Junior’s expectations, providing a platform for meaningful engagement and connection. He recalls, “It was just really great to just be in that space and see others sharing their stories and the work that they’re doing across North Carolina and across the United States.” One particularly impactful moment for Junior was witnessing the recognition of long-time advocates and hearing their stories of collective action. He remarks, “We’re all standing together. I’m not in this alone.”
The conference also broadened Junior’s perspective on advocacy and the HIV landscape. “It seems a little overwhelming, when you just try to take on the overall HIV epidemic on your own,” he explained. AIDSWatch helped him realize he can focus on certain areas, like HOPWA. “It motivated me by showing that change is achievable.”
Junior’s advocacy journey has been shaped by previous experiences, including an internship with the National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and networking in advocacy work, noting, “My internship gave me a great foundation, but this experience allowed me to see so many other things that need funding too.”
Looking ahead, Junior is excited to implement new initiatives like virtual advocacy campaigns and community coalitions to advance Living HAPI’s mission. He envisions a future where individuals can access essential resources and support, regardless of their circumstances. “I’m grateful to NCAAN for the scholarship opportunity,” he says. “AIDSWatch reminded me, you’re not in this fight alone.”
In closing, Junior’s journey through AIDSWatch exemplifies the power of advocacy and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the fight against HIV.