14 Jan My Journey as an HIV is Not a Crime Ambassador: Fighting Stigma and Seeking Justice
By Sean Fortenberry
Guest Blog
As someone who’s worked in HIV prevention and education for over seventeen years, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply stigma and misinformation impact people living with HIV (PLWH). My name is Sean Fortenberry, and I’ve dedicated much of my life to making sure our voices are heard and that we’re treated with the dignity and respect we deserve. Today, as an HIV is Not a Crime Ambassador with the Mississippi Center for Justice, I’m working to change the harmful laws that criminalize HIV in our state—and I’m doing it for one simple reason: I know we can do better.
What motivates me to keep going, to keep showing up, is knowing that my work will change how people see PLWH. I want to be part of making that change for the better, not just for me, but for the entire community. So many of us have been silenced by stigma or fear of being outed as living with HIV, and it’s heartbreaking. We shy away from speaking out, participating in programs, or even educating ourselves because we’re afraid of what people will say or think. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: We are our own worst enemy when we let that fear control us.
Being part of the HIV is Not a Crime Ambassador program has given me the tools to help others break free from that fear. I want to be clear—empowerment has to come from within. You have to want it, and you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone to make a difference. I’ve learned over the years that no program or initiative can do that for you. These are simply catalysts. It’s on you to take that first step.
A lot of people think stigma is the only challenge we face, but I’ve found that a bigger issue is the lack of education. I don’t deal with many misconceptions about HIV—at least not personally—but I do see a lot of misinformation out there. People just don’t know the facts, and because of that, they’re afraid. That’s why I refuse to give in to any form of negative stigma. I’m not going to let fear or ignorance hold me—or anyone else—back from living fully.
One of the messages I’ve been most passionate about sharing is U=U: Undetectable equals Untransmittable. It’s backed by science, and it’s a game-changer for us. If you’re living with HIV and you’re taking the medication to make your viral load undetectable, you can’t transmit the virus to others. But not enough people know that, and I’m working to change that.
Looking ahead, I hope that more people living with HIV will realize the difference we’re trying to make and join us in this fight. We need more voices, more advocates, and more people willing to stand up and say, “I’m not afraid anymore.” I want to see more people trusting in the U=U message and understanding that they have nothing to fear. MCJ’s HIV Ambassador Program is helping to shine a light on these issues, but we need more people to step up.
This work isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Every time I organize a support group, speak to someone who’s struggling with their diagnosis, or educate someone about the facts of HIV, I know I’m making a difference. It’s not just for me. It is for everyone who has ever felt isolated, ashamed, or afraid because of their status.
We deserve better. We deserve to live without fear, without stigma, and without these harmful laws hanging over our heads. I’m proud to be an Ambassador, and I’ll keep fighting until we get there. The change we’re working for is within reach, but it starts with us—speaking up, stepping out, and taking action.
To learn more about MCJ’s work and to join us in this fight, visit https://www.mshivreform.org/.
About Sean Fortenberry
Fortenberry is a dedicated Community Outreach and HIV Education worker for the AIDS Services Coalition in Hattiesburg, MS, and a Mississippi Health Care Ambassador with the Mississippi Health Ambassador Initiative program. He actively shares vital information within his community, drawing from his extensive knowledge. Formerly, Fortenberry served as president of the We the Positive group. With over seventeen years of experience in HIV prevention, education, and combating stigma, Fortenberry passionately advocates for raising awareness about the harmful effects of HIV criminalization laws and stigma. He is a vocal proponent of self-love, self-respect, and empowerment within his community. As an outspoken voice for change, Fortenberry aims to transform how society perceives HIV and people living with HIV (PLWH). He organizes support groups and remains committed to abolishing HIV stigma and self-hate, striving to make a lasting difference in his community.
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.