Over 200 Women Are Leading the Fight to End HIV Stigma. Here's How You Can Support Them

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SisterLove continues its mission of uplifting Black women and minority communities with the return of the Leading Women’s Society Awards Gala Fundraiser. In its 13th year, the Gala gives participants and donors the distinct opportunity to create lasting change by raising up #HIVHERoes across the country.

Since being founded as the first nonprofit in the Southeastern United States to focus on bringing free testing, counseling, and linkage to care for HIV in the communities it serves, SisterLove has developed into a multifaceted organization. In addition to spearheading important research on HIV, policy advocacy, breast cancer awareness, and offering community services and resources, the organization celebrates women living with HIV through the Leading Women’s Society (LWS).

Empowering Women with HIV to Lead

As a women-led and women-centered nonprofit, SisterLove has always been driven to solve the HIV crisis in Black Southern communities through empowerment. LWS was formed as a powerful HIV support group that recognizes, engages, and honors women across the country who have been living with HIV for 20 years or more.

"Much of the role that LWS plays in our communities is providing a communal space of peer support for Black women living with HIV. Through its engagement with women across the country, LWS has made meaningful gains in erasing the HIV stigma that exists among Black and minority communities, especially in the Southern U.S.", says Dázon Dixon Diallo, Founder and President of SisterLove, Inc.

The 20 women inducted into LWS at the 13th Awards Gala Fundraiser will join over 200 women leaders who give meaning and life to the group. Over the 13 years of its existence, these women have been able to touch and connect with other women living with HIV. In sharing their stories and offering knowledge from their experiences, LWS members have amplified the work and progress of SisterLove exponentially.

The Importance of Raising Up #HIVHERoes

The community activism of LWS continues to grow its reach and impact every year. In addition to acting as an important support group for one another and women living with HIV, members represent a diverse group of women across many different areas of impact.

LWS leaders are a group of HIV Prevention Specialists, Executive Directors, Artists, Ministers, Counselors, Spokespeople, Homemakers, and active advocates on Capitol Hill. By raising up these women — our #HIVHERoes — they are able to inspire, advocate, research, and care for others, both clinically and communally.

"Each time we honor a new group of 20 women leaders, we expand the impact of SisterLove’s work and become that much closer to meaningfully lessening — and ultimately eliminating — the negative impacts of HIV. The act of bringing everyone together for the gala and celebrating LWS members is significant in driving that mission forward." says Diallo.

Hear the incredible lived experiences of the Leading Women's Society

The event is also one of the largest opportunities for community supporters, allies, and donors to engage in and aid that mission. SisterLove and the women of LWS depend on the action and support of others as advocates and donors in order to provide much-needed resources and clinical services in underserved communities.

There’s Still Work to Be Done

SisterLove is proud of the significant impact and strides it has made in areas of research, community services, and advocacy since its founding. There is still much work to be done, which is why the women working hard for a cure are hopeful that the 13th LWS Awards Gala Fundraiser can build even more resources and support for their efforts.

There is still a large gap in the research and linkage to care for HIV among Black communities in the U.S., especially for Black women. CDC data shows that Black women are still disproportionately being affected by HIV as compared to other demographics of women.

Join Us In Celebrating and Supporting This Year’s #HIVHERoes

As an organization driven by community, SisterLove invites everyone to purchase tickets, reserve a table, or make a donation for the 13th Annual Leading Women’s Society Awards Gala Fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event and generous donations benefit SisterLove, Inc. It is with this support that the organization is able to continue to empower inspiring women living with HIV across the country. It is with this support that SisterLove, Inc. can continue to support impactful research projects, provide lifesaving HIV testing, and advocate for underserved communities.