Mother to Son

MOTHER TO SON

Stories of Power and Vulnerability

THE MOTHER TO SON INITIATIVE

As an extension of ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action for Latinx Men and accelerate programs, we are excited to launch a new campaign, Mother to Son. Building off the brilliance of the legendary Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “Mother to Son” — which details the delicate vulnerability of the relationship between a mother and her son — Mother to Son highlights the network of maternal support surrounding Black and Latinx gay, bisexual, trans and queer men.

Whether biological or chosen, maternal support is essential to getting men connected, engaged, and retained in HIV care and other health services. It is a mother’s love, support, patience and compassion that combats learned self-hate that can lead these men to unhealthy decisions, behaviours and practices. It’s a mother’s love that empowers these men to see themselves as whole, worthy, and valuable.

Although this network of support is essential, we do not typically see it memorialized. Mother to Son is designed to amplify the bond of Black and Latinx gay, bisexual, trans and queer men and their mother/maternal figures through a reflective and empowering photo campaign and subsequent video series and panel discussion series.

Let’s Talk About It

Are you a mother or maternal figure seeking tips on how to approach difficult conversations with your son? A son who doesn’t know how to share your status with your mother - chosen or otherwise? We’re here to help.

Download the Guide Here En Español Aquí

MOTHERS & SONS

Brandon & Kimberly

Brandon & Kimberly
Atlanta, GA

CJ & Karen

CJ & Karen
Dallas, TX

Donavan & Tamara

Donavan & Tamara
Dallas, TX

D’Cole, Erin & Robyn

D’Cole, Erin & Robyn
Dallas, TX

Darnell & Diane

Darnell & Diane
Los Angeles, CA

DeMondre & LaShanda

DeMondre & LaShanda
Dallas, TX

Derrick & Christchelle

Derrick & Christchelle
Dallas, TX

Devin, Devante & Gia

Devin, Devante & Gia
Dallas, TX

Evan & Tonya

Evan & Tonya
Dallas, TX

Luna & Blair

Blair & Luna
New York, NY

Marcus & Geormaria

Marcus & Geormaria
Dallas, TX

Nathaniel & Lynetta

Nathaniel & Lynetta
Dallas, TX

Oscar & Maria

Oscar & Maria
New York, NY

Ty & Connie

Ty & Connie
New York, NY

Yosimar & Mardonia

Yosimar & Mardonia
San Jose, CA

The Booklet

The maternal bond looks different from person to person, from family to family. We explored this bond through an innovative shoot, showing this relationship the way that mothers - chosen or otherwise - and sons see it themselves, and captured in their own words the ways that they support and love each other.

Explore the Booklet En Español Aquí

What’s Your Role?

Are you the leader? The teacher? The confidante?

Everyone has a role in HIV prevention and there are countless ways to take action. Explore your options and find your place in the movement.

Discover your options

The Mother to Son Workshop

In 2023, ViiV Healthcare’s External Affairs Community Liaisons will implement Mother to Son: A Series of Conversations Exploring the Power and Vulnerability of Relationships across their place-based cities. These sessions will highlight how mother-to-son relationships (including biological and chosen maternal figures) are an essential network of support with regards to connecting Black and Latinx gay, bisexual and queer men to vital services that promote their health and wellbeing. Contact us at p.j.x.motonpoole@viivhealthcare.com to learn more about Mother to Son activations near you.

DISCOVER OUR OTHER INITIATIVES

PODCAST

A first of its kind narrative podcast with original stories from the gay and queer Latinx and Afro-Latinx community

MOVEMENT

ViiV Healthcare’s continued commitment to all women in the US, especially those disproportionately affected by HIV

MOVEMENT

Through the accelerate Initiative, ViiV Healthcare supports place-based, community-driven activities that strengthen the health and well-being of Black men who have sex with men.