Hollywood, Health & Society recently hosted The Modern HIV Storyline: Innovations for TV Narratives, a virtual Lunch & Learn exploring how advances in HIV prevention and treatment can inspire more accurate, nuanced, and impactful television storytelling.
Moderated by HH&S Director Kate Folb, the discussion featured TV writers and producers JaNeika and JaSheika James, who rose from staff writers to supervising producers on Empire (Fox) and have since served as writers and co-executive producers on Gossip Girl (HBO Max) and True Story (Netflix), as well as executive producers on Bel-Air (Peacock). They were joined by Dr. Alftan Dyson, PharmD, AAHIVP, FNPhA, Head of Strategic Medical Partnerships at ViiV Healthcare; Randevyn Piérre, Head of U.S. External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare; and Bithiah Lafontant, Head of Enterprise Communications for ViiV Healthcare U.S. Together, the panel examined how HIV has evolved from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition, highlighting major scientific advances including long-acting injectable options for both treatment and prevention, as well as the life-changing reality of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). While medical progress has transformed what living with HIV looks like in 2026, panelists emphasized that public awareness, access, and understanding have not kept pace.
The conversation also explored the powerful role entertainment media can play in closing that gap. Drawing on their experience developing the groundbreaking HIV storyline between Jamal Lyon and Kai Givens on Empire, the James twins discussed their goal of portraying “radical acceptance and love” rather than relying on outdated narratives rooted in fear and tragedy. Panelists highlighted ongoing challenges, including stigma, medical mistrust, geographic disparities, and the persistent silence surrounding conversations about sexual health. They encouraged writers to move beyond traditional HIV tropes and embrace stories that reflect today’s realities—people living long, healthy lives while navigating relationships, parenthood, faith communities, and everyday experiences. As Piérre observed, “When HIV is no longer the greatest threat, it seems that silence is,” highlighting the ongoing impact of stigma, misinformation, and the lack of open conversations about sexual health and HIV. The webinar concluded with a call for creators to help normalize HIV conversations, challenge misconceptions, and bring modern HIV realities to audiences across genres.
WATCH THE FULL EVENT BELOW
Speakers
Alftan Dyson, PharmD, AAHIVP, FNPhA
Head of Strategic Medical Partnerships at ViiV Healthcare
She leads national collaborations with health professional associations, medical institutions, and key stakeholders to drive innovation and advance HIV care. She brings extensive Medical Affairs and public health experience, including prior leadership roles in health equity, brand strategy, and pharmacy services, with a focus on expanding access and improving outcomes for underserved communities.
Randevyn Piérre
Head of U.S. External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare
He leads national strategy across philanthropic giving, community engagement, and partnerships focused on ending the HIV epidemic. With a 20-year background in public health and health advocacy, he has worked across government, nonprofit, and pharmaceutical sectors to advance community-driven solutions. His work centers on strengthening trust, elevating patient voice, and building collaborations that improve outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.
Bithiah Lafontant
Head of Enterprise Communications for ViiV Healthcare
She leads efforts to shape narratives on HIV prevention, treatment, and community impact through authentic, stigma-reducing storytelling and strategic initiatives. Drawing on a background in public health, she operates at the intersection of science and culture to elevate authentic voices and advance a more accurate, human-centered understanding of the HIV experience.
JaNeika and JaSheika James
Writers & Co-Executive Producers
JaNeika and JaSheika James rose up the ranks from staff writers to supervising producers on the groundbreaking hit series Empire (Fox). They’ve also served as writers and co-executive producers on Gossip Girl (HBO Max) and True Story (Netflix) starring Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes, and most recently as executive producers on Bel-Air (Peacock). The James twins’ debut book Living Double is a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of writing for TV, an inspiring account of two sisters determined to make their dream careers a reality – sharing life lessons with those who have big dreams, but are uncertain how to achieve them.
Kate Langrall Folb, M.Ed.
Moderator – Director of Hollywood, Health & Society (HH&S)
Director of Hollywood, Health & Society (HH&S), a program of the University of Southern California Norman Lear Center, and a veteran for more than 25 years in the entertainment education field. At HH&S, she leads a team of public health and media professionals to connect entertainment content creators with experts in health, science, safety and security to ensure accuracy in their depictions. Over her career she has overseen over 10,000 consultations with top TV shows and movies in the U.S. and abroad on topics ranging from HIV to climate change to structural racism. Her work has been funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the California Health Care Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.