Dr. Kelly is part of the Steering Committee for Janelle’s new project, Herpes Activists Networking to Dismantle Stigma (HANDS), which is comprised of more than 12 publicly “out” herpes activists along with a growing list of member organizations. This is the first time herpes advocates have come together to form a cohesive group geared toward promoting awareness and reducing herpes stigma.

HANDS advocates represent a diverse group of individuals – folks across the lifespan, people of color, the Hispanic community, and varying orientations and gender identities – all coming together for a shared interest: to amplify the voices of those who are stigmatized, ridiculed, and shamed. Our members include authors, doctors, YouTube content creators, artists, podcasters, athletes, bloggers, and sexual health educators, all with one thing in common: we have herpes.

About Jenelle:

Jenelle Marie Pierce (fka Davis) is the Founder & Executive Director of The STD Project, the STD Expert for Answers.com, a Hepatitis Expert for HepatitisC.net, a Spokesperson for PositiveSingles.com, an adjunct professor, an eater of jello, and a lover of snow. She was diagnosed with genital herpes at the age of 16, and is also proof an STI is not a deal-breaker or the end of your world; rather, it is merely an unexpected curve-ball in this interesting game we call life.