Being a Subject in a PrEP Awareness Study

Participating in a PrEP awareness study was surprisingly empowering. The discussion based format created an open space for honest conversation about stigma, accessibility, and awareness. What stood out most was realizing how much misinformation and stigma still surround topics of sexual health especially within the balck community and how upbringing plays a major role in this. Through civic orientation, I recognized how even small acts of participation contribute to a larger movement toward equitable healthcare. It reminded me that being apart of a study can it amplifies voices that are often left out of it. I reflected on the importance of consent, transparency, and cultural understanding in medical studies. This experience reminded me that advocacy begins with engagement, and that change starts when we’re willing to speak and listen about the difficult conversations.

- Giavonni Whitener