Keosha T. Bond-Shank’s research interests are centered on the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and health disparities within underserved populations. Her focus is on the socio-cultural dynamics that put people at risk for disease, particularly HIV/AIDS. Through her research, she aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV by emphasizing the social, economic, and cultural factors that put people at risk. Some of her speaking topics include:
A seat at the table
What does safe sex, condoms and PrEP mean to Black women? This talk examines the intra-communal forces and social pressures that influence the sexual health decisions made by black women.
Trauma in Black Womanhood
A discussion about the psychological toll of racism on Black women. In this talk, Keosha shares her own personal experiences with vicarious trauma and how she’s been able to overcome them. She also discusses the process of healing from trauma and mending a community.
An Analysis of “Wilhemina’s War”
“Wilhemina’s War” is a film about the AIDS epidemic in the rural south and the sharecropper’s daughter that fights for her family’s survival. The film gives a glimpse into the widespread effects of how church-imposed stigma drives the sick into obscurity. Keosha analyzes the harmful social norms that encourage negative health outcomes in Southern Black women based on the movie.
Promoting Sexual Health among Marginalized Genders
This talk reveals the implications for HIV/STI prevention for people of socially disadvantaged genders. The presentation encompasses the findings of three studies of three populations: cisgender Black women, young cisgender Black women, and transgender women of color.