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.
MOTHERS & SONS
Brandon & Kimberly
Atlanta, GA
CJ & Karen
Dallas, TX
Donavan & Tamara
Dallas, TX
D’Cole, Erin & Robyn
Dallas, TX
Darnell & Diane
Los Angeles, CA
DeMondre & LaShanda
Dallas, TX
Derrick & Christchelle
Dallas, TX
Devin, Devante & Gia
Dallas, TX
Evan & Tonya
Dallas, TX
Blair & Luna
New York, NY
Marcus & Geormaria
Dallas, TX
Nathaniel & Lynetta
Dallas, TX
Oscar & Maria
New York, NY
Ty & Connie
New York, NY
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.
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.
