Legacy’s Venita Ray to Attend International AIDS Conference

By: James Lee, Public Affairs Specialist

Venita Ray, public affairs specialist with Legacy, will attend the 21st annual International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa tomorrow. The conference is a gathering of over 18,000 of the world’s leading HIV specialists, including health care providers, scientists, and leading advocates.

Because of her work in the field of HIV criminalization, the SERO Project and the international HIV Justice Network have offered to sponsor Ray. In addition, UNAIDS has invited her to serve as a reportour at this year’s conference covering the conference’s “community in leadership” track.

In advance of her trip, Ray says she’s excited to learn about new innovations in HIV prevention taking place across the globe. “I’m excited to see how folks have gotten people involved and what innovative measurers they’ve developed for dealing with stigma and prep, and what work they’ve done surrounding ending the epidemic.”

Ray hopes to bring back her knowledge and address unresolved issues in Texas. “I’m hoping folks have done creative work that can be replicated here in Texas. I’m going to bring back some of that creativity.”

The annual International AIDS Conference runs from July 18-22.