Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dontá Morrison . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Dontá thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Currently, I am in the early stages of a career changing risk. Having worked 20+ years in the field of sexual health -specifcially HIV awareness and prevention- and primarily focused on the behaviors of Black gay, bisexual, and queer men, I somewhat fell into a rut. My day to day work routine started to lack fullfilment and I found myself growing frustrated. But due to my tenure on the job, I had stability and knew what to expect. Yet I was at an empasse and would constantly ask myself, “Am I growing or merely existing?”. Once, I accepted the fact that I was merely existing, I knew it was time for a change, but what did change look like? Was I willing to take that risk? I wrested with that for months because I did not want to enter unchartered territories and simply hope for the best; not at age 51 and definitely not with student loan debt. As fate would have it, once I put into the universe that I was ready to move on, doors began to open. Although that may sound like a blessing, for me, too many options can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety. So I breathed and allowed myself to sift through numerous possibilities that could change the trajectory of my existence. Basically, I had to decide which risk I was willing to take. Finally, I accepted an opportunity that not only embraces my desire for upward mobility but strategically aligns with my personal and professional endeavors. So far it has been a risk worth taking and I have no regrets.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a graduate of Pepperdine University who focuses on improving the lives of marginalized individuals, specifically BIPOC who identify as LGBTQ. I have 20+ years of experience working in HIV awareness, prevention, and testing and through community engagement has helped create numerous initiatives that focus on the sexual health and wellness of those most at-risk for HIV infection.

Currently, I am the Senior Vice President of LGBTQ+ Wellness at MarSell Wellness Center in Ontario, CA and throughout the years have helped further the work of numerous non-profit organizations including APLA Health, Selfsea, T.R.U.S.T, Holistic Empowerment Institute, and The Positive Results Corporation. Most notably, I serves as a Faith Ambassador for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Faith Based Initiative and work alongside a national team of researchers focused on increasing HIV vaccine awareness via faith-based strategies.

I do the work that I do because in 1999 I was diagnosed with HIV. I did not know what to do and was terrified. I was born and raised in the Black church and have witnessed countless people obtain spiritual support for all types of illnesses. However, what I had contracted was viewed as a curse from God and the level of shame I felt was indescribable. The experiences of that season started me on a journey to restructure how faith-based systems engage in conversations about sex, sexual behavior, and human sexuality. It is unfortunate that in 2023 so many people are still ignorant to the facts about HIV and consider it a ‘gay disease’. My doctoral dissertation investigated the impact of faith-based sexual exclusion upon the lives of Black Christian men who have sex with men who are active members of the traditional Black church; a space I continue to support and serve on a ministerial level. I wholeheartedly believe in creating inclusive spaces that allow all to worship and serve God despite varied beliefs about human sexuality. Prayerfully, my work in this area will shift mindsets and encourage much needed change.

One of my biggest accomplishments ever is the work I did in west Africa. After completing my PhD I wanted to do something philanthropic. I encouraged 15 of my close friends and family to join me in an effort to refurbish a middle school in the antetomaso region of Kumasi, Ghana. We worked with an organization called Bridge to Africa Connection and raised funds to support the work. Along with that we collected donated clothes and school supplies and shipped them to the region. We travelled to Ghana and were onsite for the unveiling which was one of the most humbling experiences ever. During that journey we were also inducted into the Heman village and participated in an elaborate naming ceremony. My new name is Kwabena Aware of the Asakyiri clan. That trip changed my outlook on life in more ways than I can describe and I hope that one day others like me will be able to take the trip ‘home’.

I am also proud to be a co-owner of WatchVIM, a Black owned streaming platform that features boutique content for and by persons of color. It is important for me to be a part of something that will highten the visibility of our stories and I would love for everyone to subscribe. One series in particular is my personal favorite: “Thirty” is an adaptation of my book “The End of the Rainbow” and is based upon my life. The seven episode series takes viewers on an unexpected journey through the complicated relationship of a Black same gender loving couple. Although it places my traumas on display, my prayer is that it will help others navigate through their own drama. I have learned that there is nothing worse than feeling alone and when it comes to love and heartbreak, we share a common bond.

In addition to all the other things I do, I host a talk on YouTube called “Conversations with Clergy” that engages pastors from across the country in discussions about HIV and how the Black church can improve its approach to sex in hopes of bettering understandings about the importance of inclusivity. Furthermore, I can be seen in the powerful documentary “Beyond Ed Buck” and episodes of BET’s American Gangster: Trap Queens where I provide commentary about the systemic issues affecting LGBTQ persons of color, a community I diligently work to protect.

One thing I strive to do is be known for my transparency and use of voice to unify communities. A quote I often share is, “you will never know the value of a community until you become a part of one”. I am a firm believer that together is the only way we can combat the systemic oppressions plaguing our communities.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The fact that I am a HIV long term survivor always causes me to reflect on my journey. I was diagnosed when effective anti-retroviral medications were limited. In the 1990’s AZT was the primary pill and it was horrid. Couple that with the mental trauma of knowing an incurable virus was traveling through your system and you can imagine how life was. I did not think I would live to see 30 and at one point attempted suicide. Basically, there is no one story in particular but an array of situations that bruised my spirit yet didn’t break my soul (insert Beyoncé). I will share that I credit HIV for my success. Living with it changed my outlook on life, love, relationships, and how I navigate spaces. HIV forced me to pause and reflect on how I wanted to experience life: victim or victor. I chose the latter.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Over the years I have shared space with persons from all walks of life. I have facilitated HIV workshops inside jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers, churches, senior living facilities, and so on. One thing they all have in common is a willingness to learn. Sex is something everyone has done, is doing, or will do at some point. A common interest is peaked and people are compelled to know more. I am not effective solely because I have knowledge, I am effective because I use relatability as a tool to retain audiences. Basically, I have perfected the art of meeting people where they are and educating based upon venue. There is a knack to talking about sex that must be adhered. You cannot educate a prison inmate or a senior citizen the same way you would a middle school teen. The language and approach is different. Especially since there are factors at play that differ the circumstances in which intimacy may occur. I love the diversity that comes along with what I do. I am able to color it however I see fit as long as the message comes across clear. I highly recommend that anyone who desires to be a public speaker find their own style and approach. Use the character God gave you and allow it to flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dontamorrison.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donta_morrison/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donta.morrison/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dontamorrison/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/dontamorrison
• Other: www.watchvim.com www.bridgetoafricaconnection.org

Image Credits
Carlos Mikelangelo