Confronting HIV Stigma Through Art: Michael R. Jackson's Musical Mission

Facing HIV stigma with art: Michael R. Jackson's transformative musical path

Picture this: you're sitting in a movie theater, engrossed in a film, when you hear someone in disbelief shout, "That's what she gets!" That moment hit playwright Michael R. Jackson hard while watching Tyler Perry's 2013 film, *Temptation: Confessions Of A Marriage Counselor*. The comment, directed at a character's HIV diagnosis, was a harsh reminder that HIV stigma still runs rampant. For Jackson, a two-time Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner, this was a wake-up call.

Reflecting on that experience, Jackson shared, "I didn't expect such an irresponsible use HIV in a plot. It made me furious." This anger became his fuel. Through his award-winning musical, *A Strange Loop*, Jackson began confronting HIV stigma head-on, focusing on its roots in religious settings.

Diving deep with *A Strange Loop*

Jackson's musical masterpiece isn't just a story—it's an exploration. *A Strange Loop* follows a young, gay, Black writer developing a musical about a character just like himself. Talk about meta! This "strange loop" pulls you in, inviting you on a journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. With a chorus representing his inner "Thoughts," you get an intimate look at his struggles and triumphs.

Now playing at Actor's Express in Atlanta, thanks in part by Gileads Science, *A Strange Loop* isn't shy about its critiques. It takes on Tyler Perry's narratives while also tackling religious-based homophobia within some Black communities. This stigma has kept HIV shrouded in silence, even when medicine has made it more manageable than ever.

Rewriting today's HIV story

Unlike its predecessor, *RENT*, which captured HIV's dark days in 90's, *A Strange Loop* plants its feet firmly in today's reality. It's a time when tools like PrEP have revolutionized prevention. Yet, Jackson doesn't shy away from his "complex feelings" about this new reality—balancing hope with mourning those lost along his journey.

Jackson recounted, "I've seen what HIV can do firsthand, but also wrestled with my feelings on casual sex and self-care." These conflicts shape his work, urging audiences not just notice stigma, but actively challenge it.

Turning personal pain advocacy

Jackson's fight against HIV stigma isn't just a cause; it's personal. Growing up in Black church and coming-of-age during HIV crisis's aftershocks, his mission took on new urgency with a close friend's death in 2019. His friend, a composer, died at 37, having kept his HIV status a secret even from family. Despite available treatments, shame cost him his life.

"He left hospital without telling truth," Jackson remembered. "Watching him die from something treatable was gut-wrenching."

The cruelty continued after death, with a homophobic preacher at his funeral. "It was maddening," Jackson said. "His gay friends couldn't even carry his casket."

Sparking a movement with hope

Art becomes revolution in Jackson's hands. He wants nothing less than tearing down secrecy, silence, and stigma fueling HIV's spread. For Jackson, inspiring Black gay men live openly and seize their sexual health would be his greatest triumph. "Even if one person feels empowered, it's more than worth it," he insists.

His steadfast commitment dismantle harmful narratives, especially in religious circles, underscores art's powerful role in creating change. As *A Strange Loop* continues, it stands as a beacon—celebrating identity and rallying against stigma.

Through memories lost friends and dreams never realized, Jackson's resolve shines clear: a future where no one hides who they are and all live unjudged, unashamed lives.