News 2016
In This Issue
This week we run several pieces marking the recent National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, including an editorial by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust; resources for Black gay and bisexual men, including a YouTube video featuring Kirk Myers, founder of a Dallas organization providing services to Black gay and bisexual men and transgender women; and research that shows that despite all the work that remains to be done, our efforts in HIV testing are beginning to pay off.
Rep. Robin Kelly recognizes National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Congresswoman Robin Kelly, has served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd congressional district since 2013
On National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we ponder the significance of HIV and AIDS as an American and international reality. Thirty–five years have passed since our country initially confronted the biological challenges of this epidemic. We still grapple — oftentimes clumsily — with stigma and our social response, while contending with the precarious nature of life in the face of HIV/AIDS. Yet neither stigma nor silence nor apathy have any constructive place in our collective battle to end the HIV epidemic.
Read more: Rep. Robin Kelly recognizes National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Reaching Gay Men is Paramount in Ending HIV
Kirk D. Myers, M.P.H., Founder and CEO, Abounding Prosperity, Inc., Dallas, Texas
National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first recognized in 2008 to give us a clear opportunity to highlight the highly disproportionate rates of HIV in communities of gay and bisexual men across the United States. While we've considerably improved our HIV response through strategic collaborations instituted by our first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy [PDF 2.18 MB] and rapid shifts in science and policy during the Obama Administration [PDF 606 KB], gay men continue to bear the greatest burden of HIV in America.
Research Shows Promising Trends in HIV Testing and Earlier Diagnosis among Gay and Bisexual Men—But Many Living with HIV Still Have Unmet Needs
Research shows that although Black MSM HIV testing is better it's not good enough.
In the years we have been writing about National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, there has often been good news tempered by bad news. This year is no different. As we work to raise awareness and spur action on this National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we have evidence that our efforts in HIV testing are paying off, but we also have evidence that we need to do more to support the overall health of gay and bisexual men living with HIV.
HUD Issues Final Rule To Ensure Equal Access To Housing And Services Regardless Of Gender Identity
J Mase III, is founder of awQward, a first-of-its-kind talent agency run by trans people that uplifts the work of trans and queer people of color. He is based on the Bronx, N.Y.
WASHINGTON – In September the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a final rule to ensure that all individuals have equal access to many of the Department's core shelter programs in accordance with their gender identity. Read HUD's new 'Gender Identity Rule'.