Solidarity in Action: Advocacy Days Across the South

Amid the bustling halls of the Tennessee Capitol, Jessie Claudio listened as a mother and daughter shared their fears about rising gun violence in their community, and in turn, he spoke with them about the urgent need for HIV funding in Tennessee. As they both shared their visions’ of a safer future, it was clear how these issues are deeply connected and how building solidarity between movements is vital to creating lasting change. 

This past week, Latinos in the South team took part in different Advocacy Days across the South, pushing for policies that impact Latinx and immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, and HIV care. These advocacy days highlight the challenges facing our communities and showcase the power of showing up, standing together, and taking up space in the halls of power.

Tennessee HIV Advocacy Day

Jessie, our Community Building Manager, attended Tennessee HIV Advocacy Day on the Hill, led by the Tennessee AIDS Advocacy Network (TAAN). The focus was clear: push legislators to maintain and expand HIV funding in a state that ranks among the top in new HIV diagnoses. Memphis, an Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) jurisdiction, urgently needs resources to prevent and treat HIV, yet funding is constantly under threat.

During the event, advocates met with legislative aides, sat in on committee meetings, and made the case that investing in HIV programs saves lives—and saves money. Avoiding just one HIV transmission prevents $350,000 in lifetime medical costs, a fact that resonated with some conservative lawmakers. Jessie also reflected on how advocacy is an ongoing learning process, recalling how their first year was overwhelming, but each year brings new insights and strategies.

The event also highlighted the progress made through advocacy—just last year, Tennessee removed the lifetime sex offender status for people convicted under outdated HIV criminalization laws. Wins like these show the impact of persistent advocacy, even in challenging political environments.

North Carolina’s Rainbow Repro Advocacy Day

While Jessie was in Tennessee, Maggie Blunk, our Health Advocacy and Communications Manager, was in North Carolina at Rainbow Repro Advocacy Day. Hosted by Equality NC, ACLU of NC, Planned Parenthood, and the Human Rights Campaign, this day focused on LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive justice.

One key issue was the Don’t Tread on Me Act, which asserts that medical and educational decisions for minors should be made by parents and doctors—not the government. With increasing attacks on gender-affirming care and abortion rights, this advocacy day underscored the need for cross-movement solidarity, as both the HIV, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ movements are fundamentally about ensuring communities can make their own decisions about their lives and health.

Georgia’s Trans Liberation Day

In Georgia, Edric Figueroa, Director of the Zero Campaigns, attended Community Estrella’s Trans Liberation Day at the Capitol. This event brought attention to issues at the intersection of HIV, the trans community, and Latiné communities.

One major policy win in Georgia has been the advancement of a PrEP in pharmacies bill, which will likely pass. This bill would allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), expanding access to crucial HIV prevention tools. As HIV disproportionately impacts the Latinx and trans communities, victories like this show the importance of advocacy that centers those most impacted.

Advocacy is About Showing Up—Together

One of the most powerful takeaways from these advocacy days was the importance of solidarity across movements. Immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ protections, reproductive justice, and HIV care are all interconnected. Our communities face overlapping attacks, from restrictions on gender-affirming care to threats against DACA recipients. To fight back effectively, we must stand together.

Numbers matter. Just as we’ve seen educators and queer activists show up against anti-immigrant legislation, it’s vital for the Latinx community to show up for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and gun violence prevention.

Not everyone can travel to their state’s capital, but advocacy takes many forms—sharing information, educating your family, and supporting grassroots organizers all create ripple effects. People are organizing right now and looking for folks like you. If you’re interested in joining an upcoming advocacy day, check out these opportunities:

Tennessee: Planned Parenthood Advocacy Day 2025, Nashville TN

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 8 am-3pm

South Carolina: HIV Speaks on Gervais Street at the SC General Assembly, Columbia SC

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, 8:30 am-2:30 pm

North Carolina: HIV Speaks on Jones Street at the NC General Assembly, Raleigh NC  

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 8:30 am-2:30

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