With World AIDS Day around the corner, Maddy and Josef sit down to chat about what it really looks like to support a loved one diagnosed with HIV. You’ll hear powerful stories from family members, partners, and allies about connection, compassion, and reducing stigma and discrimination through everyday actions.

This episode reminds us that listening to people’s stories and educating ourselves is one of the most powerful ways to reduce fear, challenge biases, and better understand the diverse human experience.

This episode was recorded in November 2025

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Recommendations

ACON

World AIDS Day

References

Co-Culture Communications, Leah Maneama 

• Coordinates of Belonging Part 1 

• Coordinates of Belonging Part 2

Education & Advocacy of Women Living with HIV from Positive Speakers Bureau & Clinical Sexual Health Nurse Naomi Hoffman

Ending HIV

It’s Time to End HIV Stigma: Think Positive ACON Campaign

NSW HIV Strategy 2021-2025

Thorne Harbour Health

Emen8

Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance

Wollongong and Regions AIDS Memorial Addition Event Registration Form

Candlelight Memorial

Professor David Cooper

Let’s Talk about HIV webinar with ACON

HIV 101 webinar with ACON

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis)

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

Credits

Host: Maddy Stratten

Guest: Josef Garrington, featuring the Think Positive ACON Campaign & Kaitlyn Middleton

Producers: Maddy Stratten & Winnie Adamson

Editing: Winnie Adamson

Music: Little Pastries Instrumental (descript)

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