Champions showcase the diversity of the HIV community across gender, ethnic, and sexual orientation lines

(BlackPR Wire) – Three long-term survivors from I AM A CHAMPION, an awareness campaign created by Theratechnologies Inc., speak up to show people with HIV that their diagnosis does not define them and that through self-advocacy and care, they can live long lives. The Champions echo the goal of World AIDS Day to “end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to continue working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.” Their stories are captured on video and in other materials available through the campaign website, www.iamachampion.life. 

“The heartwarming testimonials of these Champions tell a story of triumph and empowerment while showcasing the diversity of the HIV-positive community,” said Mable Taplin, community liaison at Theratechnologies. “It is especially poignant that two of these Champions are from the southern United States, where the burden of HIV-related morbidity and mortality is greater than in any other region of the country. By focusing on how these determined individuals thrive while coping with the physiological and psychosocial aspects of living with HIV, we hope to inspire others who might otherwise feel marginalized and vulnerable while encouraging them to seek treatment and take charge of their lives.”

Each of the Champions speaking up for World AIDS Day 2023 are leaders in their respective communities:

David Robertson, MA, LMSW, of Detroit, MI., is a clinical therapist, courage researcher, and Mental Health Practitioner with the University of Chicago Medicine. He is also the founder of Hope Is Foundation: a tech nonprofit organization that supports community and education organizations by investing in and creating technology-enabled mental health tools and training for youth and young adults. David builds products and programs that live at the intersection of advocacy, technology, mental health, community, and youth and family engagement.

David Robertson is spotlighted in Episode 1 of the "I Am a Champion | Hope For The Journey" campaign

Masonia Traylor is an HIV/AIDS activist, certified speaker, and founder and executive director of Lady BurgAndy Inc., a charitable nonprofit organization that creates spaces and opportunities for women and youth impacted by HIV/AIDS. An expert in trauma-informed care, perinatal transmission, and advocacy, Masonia is an ambassador to several organizations and campaigns that prioritize serving the HIV community. She lives with her two children in Atlanta, GA.

Masonia Traylor is spotlighted in Episode 3 of the "I Am A Champion | Hope For The Journey" campaign

Shadawn McCants, LPC-S, is the Clinical Director of Know and Live Counseling and Consulting, a minority-owned, woman-led organization in Houston, TX., specializing in healing for women and children. Shadawn is also the founder of 2 Know is 2 Live, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting active, engaged, and empowered women to address HIV/AIDS disparities.

Additionally, she co-chairs the Houston Chapter of the Texas Black Women’s Health Initiative and serves as an Ambassador to Let’s Stop HIV Together – an evidence-based educational campaign created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shadawn has dedicated her life to being a catalyst to live bravely and to show up positive.

Shadawn McCants is spotlighted in Episode 2 of the "I Am A Champion | Hope For The Journey" campaign

About Theratechnologies

Theratechnologies (TSX: TH) (NASDAQ: THTX) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies addressing unmet medical needs. Further information about Theratechnologies is available on the Company's website at www.theratech.com, on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Follow Theratechnologies on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Media inquiries:

Duane Johnson: dj@glorydaysconsulting.com | Tel: +1 323.707.9591

Julie Schneiderman, Senior Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs Theratechnologies

communications@theratech.com  | Tel: +1 438-858-3968