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According to data from the Wisconsin
HIV Surveillance System, the rates of HIV incidence among young black men, particularly
those having sex with other men, are increasing faster than in any other
demographic. The HIV infection rate among black men in Milwaukee is
approximately eight times higher than it is for Caucasians.
The “Acceptance Journeys” project is
a campaign fighting to change these numbers. It features stories and photos
combined with the tag line, “Whose life could you change with love?” on posters
and billboards across Milwaukee. Acceptance Journeys seeks to remove the
negative stigma that exists toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered
people in some parts of the African-American community. The campaign has
spurred the community around this issue, according to Milwaukee Health
Commissioner Bevan Baker, who calls it a “game-changer.”
The nonprofit organization Diverse
and Resilient initiated the campaign and has incorporated partners, including
the city of Milwaukee. Gary Hollander, Diverse and Resilient’s director,
declares that past efforts in HIV prevention have been successful on the
biological side in creating access to counseling, testing, and further health
care; however, he emphasizes that it is the behavioral side that needs to be
addressed. The Acceptance Journeys campaign is, therefore, attempting to
promote that acceptance. The simple message of human value and love was in line
with the community's readiness to hear this message. Hollander declares, “We
want to ease people into the notion that your neighbors, your friends, your
family members, people like you, people you love are lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender and really require your support.” Baker and Hollander point out
that the Acceptance Journeys campaign is comprised of more than just tolerance,
but is rather about true acceptance. Baker hopes that this message will take hold
in Milwaukee and go far beyond the city.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
