In this powerful season finale of Pathway to Progress, we reflect on the transformative journey of our podcast series alongside two of FreeState Justice’s leading voices—Executive Director Phillip Westry and Advocacy, Policy, & Partnerships Director Ronnie Taylor.

Together, they revisit the impactful conversations that have defined this season, highlighting the collective wisdom of advocates, experts, and changemakers dedicated to advancing equity for people living with HIV. At the heart of this episode is a deep dive into the Carlton R. Smith Jr. Act—a groundbreaking piece of Maryland legislation that aims to repeal outdated and harmful HIV criminalization laws.

Join us as we celebrate the progress made, honor the voices that brought us here, and look ahead to the vital work still to come in the fight for decriminalization and justice.

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Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.

Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In this special episode of Pathway to Progress, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our previous 11 conversations, featuring insightful pieces of wisdom from leading HIV advocates and public health experts.

From decriminalization to challenging stigma, these highlights showcase the dynamic efforts being made to reshape our medical systems and society into one that is equitable for all—regardless of HIV status. Join us as we celebrate the voices of change and progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic.

Tune in for a journey through the conversations that are pushing the boundaries of activism and creating a more just and inclusive world.

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Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.

Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.

In Episode 11 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Kytara Epps, Public Health and Advocacy Strategist at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Kytara, a passionate public health practitioner, discusses her work at the intersection of reproductive health and HIV advocacy today. She explores the evolving role of public health practices, how innovative forms of activism not only challenge HIV stigma but pushes the fight for decriminalization nationwide.

Tune in to learn from Kytara’s insights on how these dynamic approaches are helping to reshape the fight against the HIV epidemic.

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Visit www.hivlawandpolicy.org to learn more about Kytara’s work.

Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, is the host of Pathway to Progress. Learn about FreeState’s work to provide LGBTQ+ Marylanders with free legal services at freestate-justice.org.

Pathway to Progress is produced by Joel Medina.