Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Sherri Lewis of the weekly podcast 'Straight Girl in a Queer World' is no stranger to the public eye. As lead singer of the '80s pop band Get Wet, Lewis (whose stage name is Sherri Beachfront) appeared in one of the first music videos on MTV with the Top 40 hit 'Just So Lonely.' But she may be best known for putting a human face on the issue of heterosexual women with HIV after her diagnosis in 1987, a time when AIDS was still considered a 'gay disease.' Lewis, 54, remains a pioneer in the movement, having embraced digital media to reach a new generation with HIV information. What was it like'when most HIVers were gay men'to be an HIV-positive woman? You surely felt like the odd man out and a little like a freak. But the good news was that being unique gave me a distinct voice and platform very early on. What kind of support did you find in the gay community? Gay men have always loved and cared for me'and dressed me up! [Laughs] The gay community taught me a lot about love and compassion, caring for each other, and being of service. But I also think I helped teach gay men that HIV didn't affect only them and that they have to sometimes look outside their community. And you're still teaching people today through your weekly podcast 'Straight Girl in a Queer World.' How did that project come about? I was the keynote speaker at the Ribbon of Hope Awards in 2006, which was televised on the Here! TV cable network. The Here! folks wanted to take things a step further, so we created the podcast. [Editor's note: HIV Plus and Here! TV are both owned by Regent Media.] What's a typical podcast like? I try to make it informative'but fun too. So it could cover a vast array of topics, from making porn safe to the gay rodeo to substance abuse to music. Some of the guests have included Greg Louganis, Jasmine Guy, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, who coordinates the 'Divas Simply Singing' AIDS fund-raiser. After you interviewed Ralph, she had a special surprise for you? She asked me to be the first HIV-positive diva and to sing with them this year! Can you believe it? It was like someone nominated me for an Oscar! And I got to be onstage with Patti LaBelle. Patti LaBelle! It doesn't get much better than that.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM