22 Jan Breaking the Chains of HIV Criminalization in Mississippi: A Path to Justice and Empowerment
By Cedric Sturdevant
Guest Blog
My journey as an HIV Decriminalization Ambassador in Mississippi is fueled by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the transformative power of community. For too long, Mississippi’s outdated and stigmatizing HIV laws have perpetuated cycles of injustice, marginalizing people who live with HIV—particularly in Black, low-income, and other underrepresented communities. I’ve seen the barriers these laws create, often driving individuals further into isolation, and I’ve listened to stories of resilience and strength from those impacted. This work isn’t just about policy; it’s about empowering people to reclaim their rights, shattering stigma, and building a future where justice aligns with scientific truth.
Confronting Mississippi’s Outdated HIV Laws
MCJ’s HIV Is Not a Crime Ambassador Program is laser-focused on changing outdated laws that unjustly penalize people living with HIV. Currently, our laws treat HIV exposure as a criminal offense, even when there is no intent to transmit, no actual transmission, and often no realistic risk at all—especially when people maintain undetectable viral loads. This punitive approach does nothing to stop HIV. Instead, it fuels a public health crisis by discouraging testing, pushing people away from treatment, and spreading misinformation about how HIV is transmitted. By advocating for laws that align with modern science, we are working to create a fairer legal environment in Mississippi—one that reflects the advancements in HIV medical care and prioritizes public health over punishment.
But it’s not just outdated science that drives these laws; they’re deeply intertwined with systemic inequalities. Mississippi’s HIV criminalization laws disproportionately impact Black communities, low-income individuals, and women, particularly Black women who bear the brunt of stigma and discrimination. These laws amplify racial and economic disparities, trapping vulnerable populations in cycles of poverty and injustice. By pushing for legal reforms that acknowledge these inequalities, we are challenging systems that harm the very people they are supposed to protect.
Education as a Tool for Transformation
One of the biggest barriers to reform is the lack of awareness and widespread stigma around HIV. My work as an ambassador involves not only advocating to lawmakers, but also educating our communities about the realities of HIV and the harm of criminalization. Through town halls, workshops, and community gatherings, I provide a space for people to learn the science behind HIV transmission and the effectiveness of treatment. I emphasize the U=U message—Undetectable equals Untransmittable—to break down misconceptions and foster an understanding that living with HIV should not be a crime. These educational efforts not only reduce stigma but also empower people to advocate for themselves, to share their stories, and to join a movement that demands justice.
Equally important, I engage with faith leaders, healthcare providers, and local advocates to build networks of trust. Faith-based communities play a major role in Mississippi’s culture, and by collaborating with these leaders, I’m able to bridge gaps between public health and faith, grounding our advocacy in messages of compassion, love, and justice. When trusted community figures echo the call for reform, it resonates on a deeper level, opening doors for dialogue in places where there may have been resistance.
Advocacy and Legislative Reform: Changing Laws, Changing Lives
The ultimate goal of our advocacy is to modernize Mississippi’s HIV laws. We’re not just asking for minor tweaks; we want systemic changes that reflect current science and respect human rights. Our vision includes eliminating felony charges for HIV exposure and focusing on preventive measures and education rather than punishment. Criminalizing people for consensual relationships or for failing to disclose their status when there is no risk of transmission is counterproductive to public health. It drives people underground, making them less likely to get tested or seek treatment.
Our advocacy extends to legislative halls where we hold difficult but necessary conversations with lawmakers. A major part of our strategy is building rapport, listening to their concerns, and framing HIV criminalization reform as an issue that cuts across political lines. We highlight data from other states that have modernized their HIV laws, showing how these reforms have improved public health outcomes, reduced stigma, and saved taxpayer money. We also emphasize the stories of individuals impacted by these laws because personal testimony adds a human dimension that data alone cannot convey.
Our approach is one of collaboration and resilience. Every meeting, every story shared, and every conversation with a policymaker brings us closer to a Mississippi that values justice over punishment, compassion over fear.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Advocating for change in Mississippi is not without its challenges. Deep-rooted stigma, myths about HIV transmission, and political resistance are real obstacles. But our response is equally strong. By demystifying HIV through education and engaging with communities at every level, we are changing minds and building momentum for reform. We’re cultivating allies among healthcare providers, faith leaders, and influential community figures, creating a broad coalition that underscores our message.
We know that change won’t happen overnight. It takes sustained effort and unwavering commitment. But each conversation, each partnership, and each success story fuels our determination. We’re not just fighting for policy change; we’re pushing for a cultural shift that redefines how Mississippi views and treats people living with HIV.
Community-Led Change: The Heart of Our Movement
For me, the most inspiring part of this work is witnessing the power of community. When people affected by HIV criminalization come together, share their stories, and advocate for their rights, they create a movement rooted in resilience and hope. This is not just about changing laws; it’s about ensuring that those most impacted by these policies are leading the charge. Our work as Ambassadors is to amplify their voices, support their advocacy, and provide the resources they need to drive change from within their communities.
Together, we are building a future where justice reform goes beyond policy—it transforms lives. By breaking the chains of HIV criminalization, we’re paving the way for a Mississippi that respects, uplifts, and protects all its residents. Our message is clear: HIV is not a crime, and people living with HIV deserve justice, dignity, and a place in a more compassionate Mississippi.
To learn more about MCJ’s work and to join us in this fight, visit https://www.mshivreform.org/.
About Cedric Sturdevant:
Cedric is the Co-Founder and CEO of Community Health-PIER, an organization he started with his late sister, Gloria, in 2017. With 17 years dedicated to the field of HIV, Cedric began as a volunteer at Magnolia Medical Clinic (MMC) in Greenwood, MS, in 2006, participating in health fairs and summits to provide pre and post-counseling for rapid HIV testing. In 2007, Cedric transitioned into advocacy, training HIV-positive individuals through AIDS Watch Mississippi to become self-advocates. He co-founded the Mississippi Positive Network (MSPN) and serves as the Community Co-Chair of The Mississippi HIV Planning Council (MHPC). Cedric has been featured in the documentary “Deepsouth,” which highlights the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV in the Deep South. Additionally, his work has been recognized by the New York Times Magazine and various public service campaigns, spreading awareness and knowledge about HIV.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is a proud supporter of the Mississippi Center for Justice’s work against HIV criminalization and stigmatization and is a recipient of a grant from ETAF’s HIV Is Not A Crime program, which is a multi-state effort to end unjust HIV criminalization nationwide.
Points of view expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Mississippi Center for Justice.