Even though COVID-19, monkeypox and HIV and AIDS are three very different kinds of viral infections, they all impact some people more than others.

When fighting a pandemic, we'd like to think that we're all in this together,

but the folks who face racism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty, and homelessness are more

at risk than anyone else. Today, Professor Dr. Stephen Thrasher joins us to look at why it's

critical to address systemic inequality, racism, and bigotry when fighting off any pandemic.

In his new book, The Viral Underclass, The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide,

Dr. Steven examines why certain populations are more at risk from viruses like HIV, monkeypox,

and COVID-19.

Plus, how do we talk about marginalized people and disease without stigmatizing anyone?

How the don't say gay laws affect public health.

And counteracting the cynical viewpoint that both sides are the same when trying to bring about

political change.

I'm Fausto Furnos.

I'm Mark Fillion.

And this is Feast of Fun.

Our guest.

Our guest today is Dr. Stephen Thrasher, whose new book, The Viral Underclass, The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide, takes a close look at why certain populations are more at risks from viruses, such as HIV and COVID-19.

The book is a sensation and has been selected by a wide variety of organizations as the best nonfiction book of the year, including us.

Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

I think this is my third time on Feast of Fun, but my first time getting to do it with you in person. So I very much appreciate that. Well, I appreciate you coming here and risking your life with COVID-19 going around and stuff. Well, we all, you know, I tested this morning. You both tested this morning. I appreciate your testing protocol. So,

thank you very much. I'm six vaccinations in. I have to be okay by now. Yeah, we have the infinity

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