On April 22, 2024, at TikTok headquarters in New York City, MOBI (Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative) delivered an encore presentation of A Story Within A Story. A Story Within A Story is an original set of short films that capture the realities for life, love, and community for queer Black men during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed in collaboration with SIG co-Director Victoria Frye and Mark Paige, the event and the films represent the culmination of the CHHARGE research study, which examined an anti-stigma intervention intended to increase uptake of HIV self-testing among Black queer men.
The films, which integrate insights from the mixed methods study that applied a systems dynamics model into their narratives, were made with professional actors from the Black queer community. They depict the ways that gay Black men are stigmatized, and how those same men are able to resist stigma within their community and during interactions with the healthcare system.
Hosted by Julian Walker, who produced the films, the event had around 40 in-person attendees and more who attended virtually. Following the screening of the short films, Surface Level Podcast facilitated a community conversation that included the cast, crew, Brooklyn-based philanthropist and entrepreneur Guy Anthony, and artist and model Thaddeus Coates.
The post-screening conversation is available to stream online through MOBI.
MOBI promotes the health and well-being of queer communities through creative events that celebrate Black culture. Led by DaShawn Usher, they will produce MOBIFest from June 2-9, an interactive wellness experience that will be part of NYC’s Pride activities.