Episode 31: John Lagucki Gets Muddy About HIV & AIDS Stigma

Into The Mud Podcast

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 39.9 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV and a rough estimate of 1.5 million new cases are reported each year. With such high numbers , how is there still so much stigma and misinformation surrounding the topic of HIV and AIDS? On this week’s episode, queer nightlife and portrait photographer, John Lagucki, shares their journey of breaking down fear and misinformation, leaning into empathy, and the truth about what it means to live with or support someone affected by HIV.

Bio: John Lagucki is a New York City based fundraiser and portrait photographer. Working at nonprofit organizations around NYC, John is driven by sustaining the arts and helping organizations reach their fullest potential supporting diverse communities. As a photographer, John recently received a Glam Award nomination for Best Nightlife Photographer. Inspired by photographers from the 80s and 90s, John's photography has been described as "timeless gay photography". You can find his work on Instagram: @johnlagucki.

John’s Social Media: @JohnLagucki and www.JohnLagucki.com

Resource: for free and/ or affordable STI testing and PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), text TESTNYC to 55676.

Resource: Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA), www.BroadwayCares.org

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Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village.
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