Austin Nation, PhD, RN, PHN, NE-BC (he/him/his)

Associate Professor, California State University, Fullerton - School of Nursing

Years as an ANAC member: 15

Local ANAC chapter: Los Angeles

What does National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day mean to you? 

It's the annual opportunity to continue raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in the Black community and how this disease is disproportionately affecting our community, especially Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and Black women. It an opportunity to raise awareness, help normalize this conversation in our community and encourage folks to test and know their HIV status. 

Why did you join the fight to end HIV/AIDS?

As a queer, Black, registered nurse living with HIV/AIDS for almost 40 years and having struggled with drug addiction and the impact this has had on my HIV treatment through the years, I personally know the challenges that come with managing this disease. Today, I am 22 years clean and sober! When I first tested for HIV I was told there were no treatment options and to "get my affairs in order" because there was nothing the doctors could do for me. Then came, what was then the miracle drug, AZT every 4 hours around-the-clock and that gave some of us hope. Fast forward to protease inhibitors and now I'm in conversation with my doctor about starting a once every-other-month injection to manage my HIV. She's even telling me that there is also an injectible that lasts 6 months. These are miracles that I thought I would never live to see. Now, I as do my HIV prevention education play, "Becoming Austin Nation: From Crack to PhD - A Drag Queen's Story" I am able to share this new information with my audiences, letting them know that today HIV is only a chronic illness that can be managed in much simpler and easier ways. If we can get this word out into the Black community, perhaps we will have a bigger uptake and understanding of things like PrEP and U= U in our community, helping us get to zero new HIV infections. I dream of seeing a cure for this disease in my lifetime!

Do you have a mentor or mentors who have been instrumental to your career and, if so, whom and how?

Without a doubt, it would be Carol Dawson-Rose, PhD, RN, FAAN, from UCSF School of Nursing. She was my doctoral faculty advisor when I was pursuing my PhD 2011-2016. I only made it through the program because of her openness, honesty, love and support!  She was my angel. I couldn't imagine being where I am today without her in my life. Since graduating, she has continued to show up in numerous ways. I marvelled as she was moved from her faculty position to Dean and Styles Professor of Nursing, Associate Vice Chancellor, Nursing Affairs - James P. and Marjorie A. Livingston Chair in Nursing Excellence. I loved seeing her lead ANAC and how she made rounds down to our LA Chapter. I also know that she has continued to be involved in the HIV Consortium doing great research in this area. She's well-rounded and always willing to pay it forward. She's been an incredible friend, mentor and guide.