SisterLove, Inc

This is great news!

is not a death sentence and we are getting closer to a cure everyday.

Check out our recent webinar with our partners at Emory University's Erase HIV Cure Research Lab scientists Drs. Mirko Paiairdini and Deanna Kulpa here at https://youtu.be/wdEjog2laLw

Photo credit: Forbes

In 1990, we provided our first HIV test.

Since then, we've gone on to offer thousands to individuals across the country.

Our s*xual and reproductive health screening services under our program have expanded outwardly to syphilis, gonorrhea, pregnancy testing, and other vital services.

Learn more about our herstory at https://sisterlove.org/herstory

In honor of our 35th year, we're sharing moments from our herstory to revisit where we have been, and connect our past to where we are today.

Our herstory begins in 1989.

Our Founder and President, Dázon Dixon Diallo, created SisterLove as a response to a lack of attention and resources for Black women impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Atlanta. At our core, we see ourselves as a vehicle for recognizing, protecting, and advancing intersectional s*xual and reproductive health, rights, and justice through a human rights framework.

Beginning as a volunteer group of women, we recognized the necessity of educating communities in Atlanta, especially Black women and other women of color, about HIV prevention and safer s*x techniques in an inclusive and accessible way that affirms s*x positivity and healthy love as a fundamental right of all human beings.

We look forward to continuing this journey towards greater health equity in all its forms for our community, but we can't do it without the support of people like you.

Donate now to our 35-year giving fund to support our mission for global reproductive justice at https://givebutter.com/sisterlove-35

Yesterday, July 21st was , honoring our sister, leader, and mentor Prudence Mabele.

Prudence was one of the first Black women in South Africa to openly share her HIV status in 1992, setting a courageous precedent for today's movement.

This day also embraces the Zero HIV Stigma Consensus Statement, pushing us to fight the stigma that crosses cultural, gender, s*xuality, and class divides.

Last year, Zero HIV Stigma Day gained global recognition as an official awareness day, endorsed by US PACHA, UNAIDS, EATG, UK APPG, and SANAC.

Whether it's challenging punitive policies or ending discrimination, our work continues to ensure everyone living with HIV can access testing, care, and treatment.

Together, let's honor Prudence's legacy and commit to a world without HIV stigma.

We congratulate Vice President Kamala Harris on her likely nomination as the first Black woman to become the presidential nominee of a major party.

While the official nomination has yet to take place, her endorsement from President Biden is still unprecedented. Representation matters, and no matter the outcome, this is a historic moment for Black women and girls everywhere.

For 35 years, SisterLove has fought for s*xual and reproductive health, rights, and justice on the front lines against misogyny, racism, homophobia, s*xism, ableism, and every form of oppression that has been put in place to deny our communities their human rights.

Our greatest asset in this fight has been the support of our allies, our partners, and our communities.

To honor our shared 35-year legacy of leading change, we will highlight milestone moments that have led up to where we are today.

Learn more about our herstory and contribute to our 35-year giving fund at https://sisterlove.org/herstory

🎉 SisterLove's 35th Birthday Block Party! 🎉

Join us as we celebrate 35 years of service and support in Atlanta! 🥳

Experience the vibrant culture of Adamsville, support local Black-owned businesses, and enjoy an amazing community atmosphere. 🌟

🗓️ Date: Saturday July 27, 2024
📍 Location: 3699 Bakers Ferry Rd SW, Atlanta
🎶 What's Happening:

•Delicious food vendors 🍔
•Live music 🎵
•Local artists 🎨
•Community-service organizations 🤝

Don't miss out! Registration is FREE. Let's come together to lift each other up and celebrate our community. 💜

Register Now at https://givebutter.com/sli-bday-party

There's still time!

Join us and the for our special HBCU night fundraiser!

Support your home team, students at HBCU's, and SisterLove at the same time. A portion of every ticket sale will go funding our mission to provide free HIV/STI testing and linkage to care in Atlanta.

Get your tickets now at https://sisterlove.org/events

IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!⏲️🏀

For our 35th year anniversary, we're partnering with the Atlanta Dream to lift up HBCU's in with a special fundraiser.

When you get a ticket to the ATL Dream vs Phoenix Mercury game on Aug 21st, a portion of your purchase will be donated to HBCU's like Spelman College and Morehouse College and to our mission to provide s*xual health and HIV testing, treatment, and counseling in Metro Atlanta.

See a great game with friends and family, support students at HBCU's and help advance s*xual and reproductive health, rights, and justice at the same time.

Score your ticket now while supplies last at
https://sisterlove.org/events

Reposted ”We have more than history to rely on. There are so many Marsha’s P. Johnson's leading our movements today with courage and vision. And, we must follow the new path those leaders are carving out for themselves and future generations.” 💬 Founder and Executive Director

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. 🏳️‍🌈 ✊ 

In the 1950 & 1960s across the United States, same-s*x relations were illegal and folks were required to wear “gender appropriate” clothing — clothes that aligned with their assigned gender. Police were routinely busting gay bars, targeting anyone outside of the gender norm or assumed to be q***r.

The Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, began in the early hours of June 28, 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village. The Inn was a safe haven for drag queens, trans folks, butch le****ns, s*x workers, and homeless youth. This raid sparked a rebellion led by Black and Brown trans and q***r individuals, including Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Stormé DeLarverie, and Sylvia Rivera. The uprising continued on the streets around Stonewall for six days and galvanized a much wider LGBTQ+ rights movement.

👉 To learn more about these leaders, follow .herstory

with us this Saturday at SSouthern Fried Q***r Pridein Little 5 Points!

We're partnering with AAvitaCare Atlantato bring you self-love safer s*x kits, linkage to s*xual and reproductive health services, and free HIV/STI testing on site (also, you can take home a self-test kit!).

We'll be on Euclid Ave with our at 1pm!

If you want more info, visit sisterlove.org/events to find everything you need to take part.

***rPride *xualhealth

Thank you to everyone who joined our virtual chat about National HIV Testing Day!

We are incredibly grateful to our partners, , , and , for sharing their insights and helping us spread awareness about the importance of HIV testing.

A special shoutout to our Director of Programs, Alison Poole White, who joined the discussion to talk about our testing procedures around HIV/STIs and the recent advancements in testing and linkage to care that make the experience easier than ever.

For our followers, don't miss out on free HIV testing at Walgreens on Cascade Rd. No appointment needed! Come get tested, know your status, and take control of your health. 💪❤️

Click here to watch the chat and learn more: https://youtu.be/wQYkBK33m2Y

National HIV Testing Day Panel Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates is joined by Brad McElya (Walgreens), Allison Dejan (KFF’s Greater Than HIV), and Alison Poole White (SisterLove,...

Tomorrow is !

In recognition of , we're partnering with KFF, Walgreens, & Greater Than HIV to offer free self-love safer s*x kits, on-site HIV testing (you can even take home a self-test kit!), STI testing, and other giveaways!

If you're in , join us!
🕙 Time: 10 AM - 7 PM
📍 Location: Walgreens, 3740 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA

Bring your friends and family, and let's create a healthier future together! No appointment necessary.

See you there! 🌈🏥✨

🎉Celebrate the Last Week of with Us! 🎉

As Pride Month draws to a close, we invite you to join us for a series of empowering and educational events. Let's come together to celebrate our community, prioritize our health, and embrace the spirit of Pride.

Check out these exciting events happening near you:

📅 Thursday, June 27, 2024 :
•National HIV Testing Day at Walgreens -
Join us for National HIV Testing Day at Walgreens and take a step towards knowing your status.

🕙 Time: 10 AM - 7 PM
📍 Location: Walgreens, 3740 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA

🔹 Highlights:
- FREE rapid HIV testing
- Free syphilis and hepatitis C testing
- Amazing giveaways and health resources

Testing is an act of self-love and community care. Bring your friends and family, and let's create a healthier future together! No appointment necessary. See you there! 🌈🏥✨
---

📅 Saturday, June 29, 2024 :
•Southern Fried Q***r Pride -
We’ve partnered with Avita Care Atlanta AvitaCare Atlanta for the ***rPride Community Festival in Little 5 Points!

Let's celebrate Pride and the arts together.

🕐 Time: 1 PM
📍 Location: Euclid Avenue, Little Five Points

🔹Highlights:
- Fun games and goodie bag giveaways
- Free on-site HIV testing and take-home self-test kits
- safer s*x health education
---

📅 Sunday, June 30, 2024 :
•Planned Parenthood Cookout -
Join us for the Black Cookchat at the Planned Parenthood Cookout.

Let's come together to discuss s*xual reproductive health care and celebrate Black culture.

🕓 Time: 4 PM - 6 PM
📍 Location: Nourish Botanica

🔹 Highlights:
- Discussions on s*xual education and s*x as pleasure
- Interactive games, line dances, and activities inspired by Black BBQ culture
- Inclusive environment for dialogue, learning, and celebration

Check out our events page on our website for info, directions, and to sign up for updates!
https://sisterlove.org/events

We look forward to seeing you there! 🌈🍽️🎉

We had an incredible time last week!

For , we had the honor of co-hosting a cookout with our Emory University cure research lab partners and our Community Action Board to celebrate the progress we’ve towards finding a cure for HIV that is accessible by those who are the most in need.

We were so fortunate to be joined by one of the two persons to be cured of HIV, Adam Castillejo, the “London Patient”.

He shared words of encouragement with our teams and proved to us that curing HIV is not only possible, but that a sense of shared community is necessary to finding a true cure for HIV and HIV stigma.

We capped off the event with food, music, and tours of our mobile clinic.

On Thursday, we were able to host activists and advocates from over 20 different countries as a part of the State Dept International Visitor Leadership program.

We had an open and frank discussion about the role that advocates play in building networks of solidarity within their own communities and across borders and boundaries of language and culture.

Our Founder, Dázon Dixon Diallo, alongside our Program Manager, Alison Poole White, and our Policy, Advocacy, and Mobilization team, walked through the human rights framework for advancing intersectional that has guided us for over 35 years here in and .

We have even more events planned for this summer, so stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter to keep up with us!
https://sisterlove.typeform.com/newsletter

Join us on National HIV Testing Day at Walgreens!

SisterLove is excited to offer **FREE rapid HIV testing** at the Walgreens on 3740 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 10 AM to 7 PM! 🏥✨

Testing is an act of self-love 💖 and community care. Knowing your status empowers you to take control of your health and protect those you love.

🌟 **Highlights:**
- Free rapid HIV testing
- Free syphilis and hepatitis C testing
- Amazing giveaways and health resources

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to prioritize your health. Bring your friends and family, and let's create a healthier future together! 💪🏾❤️

No appointment necessary! See you at Walgreens on Cascade Road! 📍

is a day to honor the legacy and strength of our ancestors, but we should not forget that we must continue to fight for our future.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration of the triumph over legal slavery. It's also a triumph over ignorance.

In that spirit, we want to share the history of this holiday and spotlight the organizations that still fight for our freedom today.

Follow/Donate/Support:





(Black Women for Wellness)
(Black Health)


(In Our Own Voice)
(National Black Women's Justice Institute)
(Southern Black Girls & Women's Consortium)

There are many more, so comment below and tag them so we can show solidarity!

Happy National Day!

Wishing everyone a day filled with joy, acceptance, and unity! Today is about celebrating healthy ways of loving in all its forms and expressions.

❤️🌈

We are so grateful❤️

On Saturday night, we were fortunate to join the cast and crew of the Hulu documentary, , on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmy Awards!

We joined Executive Producer and friend of SisterLove, Sherly Lee Ralph, Director and ally, Zeb Newman, and the stars of the film and members of our Leading Women's Society and The Well Project - HIV and women, Masonia Traylor and Ci Ci Covin. Our Vice President of External Affairs, Sybil Miller, was also nominated as a producer for the film.

We still remember our first meeting with Zeb.

He trusted us with his vision of telling the authentic stories of Black women who live with HIV in a way that centers their lived experiences and provides a lens for understanding the deep courage and strength possessed by these two incredible human beings, and all those they represent.

This was such an accomplishment for us, and it's the perfect way to celebrate our 35th Anniversary year.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Zeb, Sheryl, Masonia, Ci Ci, and all the cast and crew who made this film possible, and for trusting us to help tell this important story.

#

🚨 Calling all Georgia voters! 🚨

Join us for an impactful virtual town hall, “From Polling Places to Policy, The People’s Agenda: A Forum for Criminal Justice,” on June 13, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST.

Hosted by SPARK and SisterLove, this event is your chance to engage directly with candidates on critical issues intersecting criminal justice, health, rights, and justice. Together, we can drive meaningful change in our communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and advocate for the justice we all deserve.

🔗 Register Now: 🚨 Calling all Georgia voters! 🚨

Join us for an impactful virtual town hall, “From Polling Places to Policy, The People’s Agenda: A Forum for Criminal Justice,” on June 13, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST.

Hosted by Spark Reproductive Justice Now and SisterLove, this event is your chance to engage directly with candidates on critical issues intersecting criminal justice, health, rights, and justice. Together, we can drive meaningful change in our communities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and advocate for the justice we all deserve.

🔗 Register Now: https://sisterlove.typeform.com/town-hall-voter

The SisterLove team is expanding!

Meet Yara, Reyna, Dr. Lisa, Berlecia, Mary, Princess, Deborah, and Mikayla!

Yara Thompson, an experienced accountant and financial analyst, joins us as our Finance Manager.

Reyna Patterson, a Master of Public Health graduate from Emory University will work with us as a Community-Based Research Coordinator

Dr. Lisa Saye, our Community-Based Research Program Manager, received her Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Alabama. Her work history includes being a Statistician for HRSA.

Berlecia Charlemagn will work as our Community Health Worker. She is a dedicated and highly skilled Public Health Professional with a Master of Public Health from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Oakwood University.

Chi Chi Kan will work with our Community-Based Research Program as a Research Coordinator. With a Master of Public Health from Emory University. Chi Chi's commitment to scientific writing and her comprehensive skill set in effective communication, grant writing, and project management make her a valuable addition to our research team

Princess Durbin also joins our Community Health Worker team. Princess is a distinguished Sociology graduate of Morehouse College who received a Four Year Merit-Based Scholarship and the Human Rights Campaign Fierce Advocate Award. Their dynamic leadership and commitment to social justice make them invaluable to our team.

Deborah Mulowayi brings five years of experience in health promotion, clinical documentation review, and community outreach to her role as our Healthy Love Experience Program Manager. Deborah's strong medical background and dedication to enhancing access to quality healthcare make her a valuable asset to our team.

Mikayla Meachem, a recent Peace and Justice Studies and Women's and Gender Studies graduate from Pace University, will now join our Communications team full-time as our Communications associate after graciously interning with us for the past two years.

Listen up ! Today is the last day to apply for the $36,000 direct cash support program from In Her Hands. They've extended the deadline until tonight, Monday June 3rd at 9 PM.

is a direct cash program that will provide
no-strings-attached cash support of $36,000 over 3 years to eligible women.

📣 There is still time to apply! Applications close June 3rd at 9:00 pm.

To be eligible you must:

1) Identify as a woman
2) Be at least 18 years old
3) Live in English Avenue, Vine City, Bankhead, or Washington Park
4) Have income less than or equal to 2x of the federal poverty line. That’s about $30k for an individual and $51k for a family of 3.

Multiple people from a household may apply, but only one eligible person from a household may be selected for the initiative.

Apply now and secure your spot in this life-changing program. https://thegrofund.org/apply



Reposted from Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund

🌟🎉The SisterLove team is expanding!

Meet Yara, Reyna, Dr.Lisa, Berlecia, Mary, Princess, Deborah, and Mikayla!

Yara Thompson, an experienced accountant and financial analyst, joins us as our Finance Manager.

Reyna Patterson, a Master of Public Health graduate from Emory University will work with us as a Community-Based Research Coordinator

Dr. Lisa Saye, our Community-Based Research Coordinator, received her Doctorate in Public Administration from the The University of Alabama. Her work history includes being a Statistician for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Project Manager SME on national health objectives and health disparities for National Institutes of Health (NIH) among other notable accomplishments.

Berlecia Charlemagn will work as our Community Health Worker. She is a dedicated and highly skilled Public Health Professional with a Master of Public Health from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Oakwood University.

Mary Kan will work with our Community-Based Research Program as a Research Coordinator. With a Master of Public Health from Emory University, Mary's commitment to scientific writing and her comprehensive skill set in effective communication, grant writing, and project management make her a valuable addition to our research team.

Princess Durbin also joins our Community Health Worker team. Princess is a distinguished Sociology graduate of Morehouse College who received a Four-Year Merit-Based Scholarship and the Human Rights Campaign Fierce Advocate Award. Their dynamic leadership and commitment to social justice make them invaluable to our team.

Deborah Mulowayi brings five years of experience in health promotion, clinical documentation review, and community outreach to her role as our Healthy Love Experience Program Manager. With a Master's in Public Health from the University of New England and a Bachelor's in Medicine and Surgery from Maharishi Markendeshwar University, Deborah's strong medical background and dedication to enhancing access to quality healthcare make her a valuable asset to our team.

Mikayla Meachem, a recent Peace and Justice Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies graduate from Pace University University, will now join our Communications team full-time as our Communications associate after graciously interning with us for the past 2 years.

🌟 On Thursday, June 27th for National HIV Testing Day, we'll be at the Walgreens store at 3740 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30331, ⏰ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM! Get FREE HIV Rapid testing and grab some goodies while you’re at it!

No appointment needed.
GreaterThan.org/Walgreens

🎉We're beyond excited to introduce our new additions to the SisterLove Board of Directors, Kathy Stewart, Esq. and Tigner Rand!

Ms. Stewart is an attorney with over a decade of legal experience in various areas of the law. She has a passion for health equity and looks forward to contributing to the SisterLove board and organization.

Tigner Rand is a creative expression advocate, artist, and motivational writer with extensive experience in corporate, nonprofit, and media sectors. He founded ""The Souls Remedy,"" an online ministry offering daily affirmations and devotions. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Tigner studied Mass Communication Business Management at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys painting, jazz, and is affiliated with Antioch A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He previously served as a board member for Best Academy Charter School Media Project in Atlanta.

There are so many in our community who are dealing with substance use disorders and HIV, coping with , experiencing homelessness, and for some even imprisonment.

These conditions disproportionately impact people of color who are low-income. But we’re committed to being a resource for those struggling to manage their time and mental energy while managing substance abuse, mental health and the other challenges.

That’s why we partnered with and on The project to give a voice to those who are not listened to.

10 people living with HIV in Atlanta were interviewed and we found that many feel their HIV care providers prescribing medication for mental health disorders may be appropriate

HIV care providers prescribing medication for mental health disorders may be appropriate because it is a provider the patient is comfortable with and they have established a relationship.

However, prescribing medications for substance use disorders may be out of their scope.

"I'd prefer to get treatment from my HIV care provider because it's all in one spot. I can take care of all the necessities at one time."

"I feel comfortable going to the place where I receive HIV care to help reduce substance use because that's where I am comfortable…there's no other way to put it… it’s a comfort zone."

"I would be comfortable getting my prescription from my HIV care provider because it would be more convenient, there would be less people knowing…because I knows someone who had their HIV status revealed.. and it's very traumatizing."

If you or someone you know is in need of free linkage to care in your community, check out our Resource Guide at https://sisterlove.org/resource-guide

=U

We were so pleased to host a successful Unity in Action: Faith Advocacy Summit!

The event started off with a special screening with the cast of Emmy-award nominated and Oscar-qualifying film "Unexpected" and discussions on HIV stigma and health equity.

"Unexpected," produced by Sheryl Lee Ralph and directed by Zeb Newman, follows SisterLove's members Ciarra "CiCi" Covin and Masonia Traylor of the as they support women with HIV in the rural South. The film highlighted the power of shared experiences in overcoming stigma.

On Saturday, we brought together faith leaders and health advocates, including our founder Dázon Dixon Diallo to have a frank discussion on the role of faith communities in addressing HIV and health disparities.

These conversations reinforced the importance of collective action.

We left inspired by the unity and determination to fight against HIV stigma and work towards a healthier, more inclusive future.

Learn more about our event on our blog: https://www.sisterlove.org/post/atlanta-faith-hiv-prevention-summit

We're supporting youth with our Port St. Johns Youth Tournament fundraiser! 🇿🇦

📅 Date: June 14-16, 2024
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day
📍 **Location:** Caguba Village, Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Get ready for an exhilarating three days of football (soccer ⚽), community, and fun at the Port St. Johns Youth Tournament!

Whether you're cheering from the stands or giving a shout out on social media, there are ways for us all to support these incredible youth athletes as they embrace the power of teamwork and athletic achievement to stay healthy, happy, and hopeful.

Can't make it in person? No worries! You can still support our young athletes by contributing to our fundraiser. Every donation helps us provide a fantastic experience for all participants and supports local youth in sports. 🌍💪

🔗 Donate or learn more at https://givebutter.com/slisaPSJYouthTournament

Let's empower our youth together! 👋💖

Words cannot express how grateful we are to be featured in the incredible short documentary film, 'Unexpected', which debuted on and is now streaming worldwide on Hulu.

We are so proud to have collaborated with the film's Producer and living legend, Sheryl Lee Ralph, who has been a fierce advocate and champion for Black Women who live with , and our friend, for over 30 years. She joined the fearless creator and talented director Zeb Newman to create one of the most important films of our time.

This documentary is personal to us because it features two of our brightest stars from our women who live with HIV peer support and leadership group, the Leading Women's Society. Our Founder and President, Dázon Dixon Diallo, joined them to show how we do our work and why it matters.

It's such a privilege to be able to show the power that Black women have to heal and lead people from all backgrounds out of the HIV epidemic.

Discover more about the story behind this remarkable film and find a link to watch on in our blog post at https://www.sisterlove.org/post/dazon-dixon-diallo-sheryl-lee-ralph-documentary-black-women-living-with-hiv