Overview

• Session Type: 90-minute Workshop
• Topic: Stigma and Discrimination
• Special Feature: Global Village Consideration
• Key Audiences: Community Health Workers, Public Servants, Community Advocates
• Level: Foundational

Presenters:

• Kenny Talbot (kennynvegas@gmail.com)
• Michael Hager (michael.hager@readyaiminnovate.com)

HIV stigma is a primary driver of care-seeking behavior, adherence to care plans, and willingness to engage with case managers. It is essential to train those serving our community on the stigma issues that affect their work. In this session, participants will experience a brief 20-minute theatrical act illustrating how stigmatizing life changes impact personal identity, followed by a 20-minute discussion exploring the act’s themes. The final 20-minute segment is an open dialogue on adapting such demonstrations to make the concept of HIV stigma more accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.

Format and Methodology

The workshop begins with a short on-screen performance: the actor describes his old self, lifts a vase overhead, and smashes it, causing the screen to go blank. Live, the actor then empties broken clay shards onto a table, assigning meaning to each piece before distributing them to the audience. He discovers appreciation for his new self, realizing he cannot return to his former identity. A guided conversation follows, unpacking stigmas shared by participants. Finally, we explore how theatrical methods like these can drive innovative training for HIV service providers, offering a fresh lens on stigma reduction and community engagement.

Learning Objectives

• Describe how personal identity is affected by life events such as an HIV diagnosis.
• Name the theoretical foundations behind using theatrical demonstrations to drive behavior change.
• Explain how a theatrical demonstration relating to HIV stigma can enhance onboarding training for HIV service providers.

Special Areas of Focus

• People living with HIV

Regional Focus: Multiple Regions

IAS e-Learning Module Applicability: Human rights, key populations, community leadership, person-centered care, quality of care, stigma, structural barriers, co-morbidities, HIV prevention, HIV treatment