greater perceived stigma and more social rejection than Caucasians. As HIV/AIDS is a prominent health concern among African-Americans, understanding HIV-related stigma can inform the development of interventions that: 1) have potential for greater impact than individually-targeted programming; 2) result in longer-term health benefits; and 3) augment the effectiveness of behavioral interventions by enhancing participants’ likelihood to execute HIV-preventive and treatment behaviors.
Studies show that cultural biases like stigma, discrimination, and homophobia place many African Americans at higher risk for HIV. These barriers prevent many from seeking routine HIV testing or receiving HIV preventative care and treatments due to fear of judgment from family and peers. In fact, the CDC reports 1 in 7 African Americans living with HIV are unaware of their diagnosis. Without knowing they have HIV, they cannot take advantage of the treatments that can lead to viral suppression and prevent them from unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
Data also show that African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV. Although they represent only 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 43% of all new HIV diagnoses.
- Among all women diagnosed with HIV in the U.S., African American women account for 59% of new HIV diagnoses.
- African American gay and bisexual men represent 37% of all new HIV cases.
- New HIV cases are steadily rising specifically amongst African American millennials ages 24-35.
Having conversations about sexual health, HIV prevention, testing and status can help change the narrative. Thank you for unapologetically being you, Billy. We love you!