Beyond the Diagnosis: Dr. Joyce Turner-Keller on HIV, Faith, Stigma & Thriving
What does it truly mean to live beyond the diagnosis? On Episode 121 of The Core Queen Chat, Dee Dee Legette sits down with Dr. Joyce Turner-Keller, minister, writer, actor, community organizer, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, health educator, and longtime HIV advocate—for a powerful conversation about faith, stigma, resilience, healing, and choosing to thrive while living with HIV. Dr. Joyce opens up about her own diagnosis, the emotional journey toward embracing her worth, and the stigma she has experienced, even within the church community. She shares why faith has remained central to her life and why Black churches and communities must continue having honest conversations surrounding HIV. We also dive into the documentary Beyond the Diagnosis, which follows Dr. Joyce alongside Dominique Grant and Millicent Foster as they challenge outdated perceptions of what living with HIV looks like. Through their stories, the film highlights the importance of sisterhood, chosen family, advocacy, self-love, and moving from simply surviving to thriving. Dr. Joyce also discusses her work through Aspirations, Straight Talk at the Kitchen Table, and The Shackle Series, and why storytelling remains one of her most powerful tools for breaking silence and fighting stigma. This episode is a reminder that a diagnosis is part of someone's story, it is not the entirety of who they are. 🎧 Episode 121 of The Core Queen Chat 🎙️ Hosted by Dee Dee Legette ✨ Guest: Dr. Joyce Turner-Keller “I am more than a diagnosis… I’m walking through the fire, and I’m coming out gold.”