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In observance of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, the executive directors of 35
LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations across the nation released a letter committing
to re-engage the LGBT community in fighting HIV. The letter stated that
although HIV was a catalyst in the 1980s for concerted action to establish
social equality for the LGBT community, recent efforts have focused on marriage
equality and employment protections.
However, HIV has continued to affect
the LGBT community disproportionately. According to the joint letter, 63
percent of new HIV infections occur among gay and bisexual men, who represent
only 2 percent of the population. In fact, gay men are the only group for whom
HIV/AIDS incidence continues to increase. Each day, the United States sees more
than 80 new HIV cases among gay and bisexual men.
National Minority AIDS Council
Executive Director Paul Kawata emphasized two factors that present a “unique
opportunity” to re-engage the broader LGBT community in HIV/AIDS activism:
HIV/AIDS treatment as prevention and greater access to care thanks to the
Affordable Care Act. National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate
Kendell stated that it is possible for the next generation of LGBT young people
to “grow up free from HIV/AIDS.” Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda
Legal, urged the LGBT community to re-engage in HIV/AIDS efforts because they
have seen the results of laws that criminalize HIV-infected people.
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!
