SPFPP Herpes Stigma Expo
August 29 - Lower East Side Manhattan, NY
An inside look at the previous herpes stigma expo 2026
The SPFPP Herpes Stigma Expo: 2026 Fall Edition
Stigma thrives in isolation. It keeps you disconnected from your body and terrified of rejection. But what happens when you step out from behind the screen and into a room full of people who actually get it?
Welcome to the Herpes Stigma Expo.
Hosted by Courtney Brame, Founder of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), this immersive, in-person event is a full experience of integrated herpes stigma navigation. We are bringing the community together for an afternoon of deep support, somatic healing, and expert-led discussions on reclaiming your sexual health and pleasure.
What to Expect
In-Person Support Group: A structured, intentional space to share your experiences, connect with others, and decompress from the weight of stigma.
Somatic Yoga & The 8 Limbs: Learn how to use the ancient blueprint of the 8 Limbs of Yoga to regulate your nervous system, manage stress, and actively detach your identity from your diagnosis.
Sexual Health & Communication: Sex Therapist Nikita Fernandes will join us to share actionable tips on how to confidently discuss sexual health and navigate safe sex practices with partners.
The Pleasure Practice: Jordan DNelle (Host of the Vaginas, Vulvas, and Vibrators podcast) will lead a present-moment sensory pleasure practice designed to be explored alone or with a partner.
Community & Resources: Connect with local sexual health organizations, access on-site STI testing from our vendors, and socialize with a community that understands you.
Logistics & Registration
Date: Saturday, August 29th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (EST)
Location: Address given upon registration
Tickets: $65 General Admission | $35 Accessible Pricing (Limited quantity available)
Note: This event is hosted in collaboration with Hit Me Up’s sex-positive curriculum. Registration is processed securely as a donation via Stripe.
Tentative Agenda (Saturday, August 29th)
Location: 120 Walker Street, New York, NY 10013 (Loft with elevator access)
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Exclusive HSV+ Support Group (Note: This block is strictly for individuals living with herpes. Partners and allies are welcome to arrive after 12:30 PM).
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Partner Arrivals & Transition
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Yoga for Herpes Presentation
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Lunch, Socializing & Sexual Health Roleplays Lunch is optional for those who wish to stick around and play games/socialize. During this time, we will also host live roleplays on navigating sexual health and desire discussions with partners and rejection-handling. (Please note: These roleplays will be officially recorded. Only consenting participants will be filmed, but please be aware that recording is in progress in the space during this 90-minute block).
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Sexual Health Presentation Led by Sex Therapist Nikita Fernandes.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Sensational Sensory Workshop Led by Jordan DNelle. A workshop exploring pleasure using the senses beyond intercourse.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Wrap-Up & Goodbyes We have a hard stop and must clear the loft by 6:00 PM.
Event Location
The location is accessible by the J train located in the Chinatown area of Manhattan (I’m new here so if you need more specifics before you register, let me know lol). The address will be sent out to those who register for the event. There is an elevator and accessible restrooms.
Manhattan, NY
Zipcode: 10013
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is this event for? Can my partner come? This event is catered specifically to people living with herpes, as well as the partners of people living with herpes. We expect an intimate group of 40 to 60 people.
*Important note: The opening support group from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM is exclusively for those living with herpes. If you do not have herpes, we kindly ask that you do not arrive until after 12:30 PM.
Will I be recorded or photographed? What is the privacy policy? Attendee privacy is a top priority. Attendees are not allowed to take photos or videos of the event. We will be recording the official presenters, and there will be video recording in the space strictly between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM for our sexual health roleplays. Only consenting participants will be featured in the roleplay recordings. If you are just observing, your privacy will be protected.
Do I have to speak or share my story? Absolutely not. While 99% of our attendees usually end up participating because of the welcoming environment, there is zero pressure to do so. If you just need to sit back, absorb the atmosphere, and listen, you are more than welcome to do exactly that (think of it like sitting with your camera off and muted on a virtual call!).
Is this a "Safe Space"? What if I get emotionally overwhelmed? We do not use the term "Safe Space," because we cannot protect anyone from their own internal feelings or responses to what is shared. Instead, this is an Intentional Space. Our intention is to honor Satya (truthfulness) and challenge anything that isn't true, as this is the direct path to neutralizing stigma. However, we know this work can be heavy. If you get overwhelmed, we will have dedicated support people on deck for you to offload emotions and speak with outside of the group. There are two bathrooms on our floor, and you are always free to step outside to take a breather at any time.
How much are tickets? Are there virtual options? This Expo is an exclusively in-person experience in NYC; there will be no virtual broadcast. Regular admission is $65. We also offer an Accessible Price of $35 on the honor system for those who cannot afford the regular rate. If the accessible ticket is still a financial barrier, please reach out directly—we want you in the room.