On World AIDS Day, we must fight the stigma that continues to kill us, and uplift those thriving with HIV
By: National Black Justice Coalition
Tags: Health, Racial Justice, BlackLivesMatter, Healthcare, LGBTQ

By David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, and Angela Yee, cohost of The Breakfast Club and founder of Juices for Life

Thirty-two years ago, we observed the first World AIDS Day. In efforts to raise awareness and speak out against the stigma surrounding the disease, organizations worldwide designed programs to combat our biggest opponent: fear. This year is no different. The shame and stigma around sex and sexuality continue to prevent us from having life-saving conversations about sexual health. We must prioritize the issue of HIV in our communities and take steps towards awareness and prevention of this virus that disproportionately affects Black and Brown people and low income folks of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Black people account for 42% of HIV diagnoses, yet only represent 13% of the population.

Almost fifty years after the AIDS epidemic swept the globe, we need to discuss these disparities that have killed millions globally. We have to talk to each other honestly and with empathy, and we have to support one another.

That’s why this year, NBJC put out a new toolkit for World AIDS Day. We’re aiming to share the facts and resources with our communities, so we can all work to combat HIV and AIDS together. We know it can be hard, but we know that if we start talking more about HIV, sexual health, and well-being, more generally, we can ensure that everyone we know and love is healthy and able to thrive.

There’s a dangerous myth perpetuated by the medical community that Black people have higher rates of HIV due to engaging in risky sexual behavior compared to white people. Not only is this myth misleading and problematic in perpetuating racist stereotypes, but it also dismisses the reality that Black people still face many obstacles to accessing healthcare and managing our health, including: barriers to getting comprehensive insurance; biased doctors who give Black patients subpar treatment; and individuals who have trouble affording lifesaving HIV medications like Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PeP), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and antiretroviral therapy. Each of these challenges are exacerbated by the lack of advocacy for Black people from the elected officials who took an oath to serve and support us. We can help to fill these gaps, by arming ourselves with factual information and by learning from members of our community whose lived experience and demonstrated effort have equipped them with the expertise to lead. Together, we can reduce stigma, increase access to care and support, and do things that make us feel better — inside and out.

The stigma surrounding getting testing is one of our most significant challenges. To successfully raise awareness about HIV and prevention, we must first gain an accurate insight into our communities’ infection rates. We are often discouraged from getting tested in fear of testing positive and not being accepted by our families and friends. HIV has been historically dismissed as a “gay male disease.” Contrary to this belief, women actually account for a quarter of new HIV cases, and 59 percent of HIV positive folks are straight Black women. Black trans women are also at high risk of HIV. As of 2019, 44% tested positive for the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by individuals unaware that they have the virus.

There is also a misconception that an HIV diagnosis means that one’s life is over. This is not true. Many people with HIV are living healthy and fulfilling lives. Once a person is aware of their HIV status, they can make choices to manage their health and focus on the rest of their lives whether that means investing in career success, getting married, or raising a family. ART is an antiretroviral treatment that reduces HIV in the blood, reduces illness, and helps prevent transmission to others. People who begin HIV treatment shortly after diagnosis benefit the most from ART. Testing is also beneficial for individuals who are negative for HIV, because they can make informed decisions about sex, drug use, and health care.

The work of the National Black Justice Coalition aims to fill the gap in education about HIV. In our Words Matter toolkit, NBJC details the power of language and ways to shape an effective narrative surrounding HIV. The key priorities include creating safe/brave spaces to discuss HIV, understanding the effect of everyday language, and replacing negative/harmful language with affirming and healing language. Resources like the Words Matter toolkit have the power to drive change. Although it will not occur overnight, it is time for a community-wide shift in perception and conversation.

In recognition of those who lost their lives and loved ones to AIDS, and in celebration of those thriving with HIV, let’s make a promise to our future generations to speak up. Speak up when we are unsure, in doubt, and fearful. The only way to end HIV and AIDS forever is to start meaningful conversations in our homes, our friend circles, and institutions.