Terry Dudley
Public Health Activist
Topics: Spatial Stigma, Nonprofit LGBTQ Sector, HIV Culture, Public Health and Racism
Pronouns: He/They
About
I am a Black queer activist deeply involved in STI and HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, particularly among men who have sex with men and the LGBTQ+ community. Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, my upbringing fuels my dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and addressing their needs.
My journey began in 2012 with HIV prevention street outreach at the Center on Halsted (COH), where I later became a youth intern. My personal experience with homelessness drove me to advocate for housing assistance for LGBTQ+ youth. Collaborating with Dr. Jennifer Felner, we conducted research on LGBTQ+ youth transitioning from youth services, presenting our findings at various events and publishing articles.
Transitioning to Howard Brown Health in 2017, I served as a Health Educator, providing HIV/STI testing and linkage to care. My role expanded to the Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator and Interim Manager at Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center, focusing on healthy relationships and sexual education for youth.
Recognized as one of POZ 100’s HIV Advocates of 2020, I now work as a Health Educator at a local non-profit, leveraging my expertise in HIV screening. Committed to community organizing, I initiated “Our Community Clean-Up,” addressing social issues in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UIC’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, my long-term goal is to merge my professional and community organizing experiences to uplift LGBTQ+ Black and other communities of color in Chicago. Through education and advocacy, I strive to foster healthier and more resilient communities.
With determination and dedication, I aim to make a lasting impact in public health and community empowerment.
Topics to be presented include: Spatial Stigma, Nonprofit LGBTQ Sector, HIV Culture, Public Health and Racism