Many are newly arrived, unaware of what resources are available. They speak in many tongues and bring with them many belief systems. They come from very different cultures. There is stigma attached to death and disease. Prejudice toward homosexuality is very strong.
Women have little to say about their own well-being.
These are very special needs. AIDS stigma and the resulting discrimination are particularly rampant in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The stigma surrounding AIDS and the taboos surrounding related topics make it extremely difficult to talk openly about AIDS and how to prevent HIV transmission. This is a barrier to educating our communities about how to protect themselves. As well, we face discrimination based on immigration status and discrimination based on language and cultural differences.