Being Seen
ViiV Healthcare
The award-winning podcast Being Seen is an in-depth exploration of culture’s role in resolving the tension between how we are seen and how we see ourselves. It is a space to explore current cultural representations and their impact through conversations with leading artists, writers, activists, entertainers, and community leaders. If we create nuanced and accurate cultural portrayals of identity and experience, we have an opportunity to reduce stigma and change perception - impacting everything from HIV to institutional inequality.Each episode is brought to life visually through licensed artwork and photography. This season, our artwork is curated by Cierra Barton, acclaimed art historian, art advisor, curator and writer. The photography for each episode has been curated by Patti Wilson from photographers including Miranda Barnes, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, and Widline Cadet. Our theme song is La Cumbia Me Está Llamando feat. La Perla by Nubya Garcia.Consulting partners on the project are Novella Ford, Charlene Carruthers, Aria Sa’id, Davina Otalor and Darnell Moore.Being Seen is produced by Harley & Co. and created in partnership with ViiV Healthcare.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2022 • 51sec
Our Listening Community
We want to hear from our listening community! We need your input, your feedback, your agreements and your disagreements. Share your thoughts and help shape the future of Being Seen by filling out our listener survey. It only takes two minutes and can be found at beingseenpodcast.com/survey.
Dec 21, 2021 • 50min
Being Seen, Episode 30, Movement
How does movement show up in our lives and what power does it hold? With movement comes the future, the ability to grow, to try something new, adapt, and become.Featured in this episode: A’ja Wilson, Ashley Everett and Lady Jess. Artwork provided by Sarah Dahir. Photography provided by Amber Pinkerton
Dec 7, 2021 • 46min
Being Seen, Episode 28, Safety
The ability to feel safe -- when and how one wishes. How do we define safety, on our own terms? What does the future look like when we create, and dream into being, safe spaces for all Black women?Featured in this episode: Jessamyn Stanley, Aria Sa’id and Mariame Kaba. Artwork provided by Tiffany Alfonseca Photography provided by Kate Sterlin, Nyda Blas and Kennedi Carter
Dec 2, 2021 • 37min
Being Seen, Episode 27, Laughter
Laughter as a salve, a weapon, a commentary, and an intimacy that is often best shared. Where does laughter show up in our lives, and how can we use it as a tool for empathy and understanding?Featured in this episode: Ts Madison. Artwork provided by Uzo Njoku Photography provided by Kourtney King and Amber Pinkterton
Nov 23, 2021 • 39min
Being Seen, Episode 26, Freedom
How can we find our freedoms and ourselves through our stories? Freedom from stereotypes, from stigma, from silence. The freedom of visibility. The freedom of being seen.Featured in this episode: Dominique Jackson, Calida Rawles and Jacqueline Woodson. Artwork provided by Calida Rawles Photography provided by Kate Sterlin
Nov 16, 2021 • 37min
Being Seen, Episode 25, Motherhood
All too often motherhood is a narrowly defined space full of bias and assumption. How can we think about it more expansively and in what ways have we provided or received mothering in our own lives?Featured in this episode: Raquel Willis, Ciarra Covin and Kaitlyn Greenidge. Artwork provided by Sydney Vernon Photography provided by Imani Dennison, Amber Pinkerton and Nydia BlasThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines do not recommend breastfeeding but do acknowledge that some women with HIV may breastfeed with risk reduction measures to minimize transmission risk.
Nov 9, 2021 • 39min
Being Seen, Episode 24, Health
A conversation about health and care, with a focus on mental health. How can we create the spaces and systems needed to dismantle stigma for ourselves and for each other?Featured in this episode: Taraji P. Henson. Artwork provided by Megan Gabrielle Harris Photography provided by Lucie Rox and Ruby Okoro
Nov 2, 2021 • 30min
Being Seen, Episode 23, Responsibility
What are we asked to be responsible for? Do we assume our responsibilities willingly or are they placed upon us? A conversation on the many things we have been asked to carry.Featured in this episode: Sydney Barber, Tiya Miles and Martha Jones. Artwork provided by Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi Photography provided by Nydia Blas and Kate Sterlin
Oct 26, 2021 • 37min
Being Seen, Episode 22, Power
Singer Ledisi and author Roxane Gay discuss power. They explore Black women's relationship with power, navigating microaggressions, self-love, standing up against online bullying, advocating for those facing HIV challenges, and empowering through representation and self-definition.
Oct 14, 2021 • 27min
Being Seen, Episode 21, Introducing Season 3
A conversation between Darnell Moore, host of Seasons 1 and 2, and Anika Noni Rose, host of Season 3, on occupying this space at this moment and the importance of prioritizing the voices and experiences of Black women. Featured in this episode: Darnell Moore (Host of Season 1 and 2) and Anika Noni Rose (Host of Season 3) Artwork for this episode provided by Ronald Jackson
