The Southern Voice has published a detailed report on the obstacles facing the new five-point plan to address AIDS in the black community—including one of its key components.
“First, we must eliminate the stigma, discrimination and marginalization faced by many black gay men, and other men who have sex with men,” said Robert Fullilove, associate dean for minority affairs at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, who authored the study on behalf of the National Minority AIDS Council.
Black gay men continue to be the population hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, and with churches and other community institutions fostering homophobia, many “approach their sexual lives with a certain level of fatalism,” Fullilove said.
Despite the significant toll HIV/AIDS is taking on black gay men, there is only a single prevention program specifically targeting black gay and bisexual men that is included in the CDC’s list of “effective behavioral interventions.”
Although numerous black politicians and civic leaders have endorsed the recommendations, many are still uncomfortable discussing homophobia. Phill Wilson, founder and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, says he was on a conference call and "had just begun talking about the impact of HIV/AIDS on black gay men" when Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA) joined in the call. The congresswoman "read more than six minutes worth of prepared statements" but did not "make a single reference to black gay and bisexual men."
“Was it awkward? Oh yeah,” Fullilove said later. “I believe we owe [Wilson] a debt of gratitude. He was a gentleman about it."
End Homophobia to Reduce HIV Among Blacks (SoVo)
More Black Homophobia and HIV:
Do You Disclose Your HIV Status? (Rod 2.0) Is HIV A Gay Disease? (Keith Boykin) "Out of Control: AIDS in Black America" (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Keith Boykin (Rod 2.0) "Being a Gay Black Man" (Rod 2.0) The ABCs of Black HIV (Rod 2.0) New CDC Guidelines (Rod 2.0) "The Down Low Exposed" (Rod 2.0) "Fear Tactics" are Best Way to Reach the DL (Rod 2.0) Philly Anti-HIV Campaign Definitely Not a "Hit" (Rod 2.0) Un-Brotherly Love: Black vs Black and Gay (Rod 2.0) The "Invisible" Man Returns (Rod 2.0) 15th Anniversary of Magic's Announcement (Rod 2.0) Baltimore Could Lose Millions in Funding (Rod 2.0) $$$ Rent for NYC Poz on Welfare (Rod 2.0)
Well, we all know that the black church and politicians have dragged their feet on HIV and AIDS, and many lives have been lost. It's a good sign that at least some are willing to admit homophobia is a major problem. Let's hope this report is not ignored.
Posted by: Samuel I | 27 November 2006 at 14:33
Rod, off-topic but thanks so much for keeping the fire burning on HIV. It is a major problem and I'm so disappointed more black people and gay men won't say or do more. They care more about that stupid Kramier than something that is killing us.
Posted by: Derrick | 27 November 2006 at 14:36
That sounds like a politician., reading off their accomplishments but afraid to talk about the real problem.
But it's a start.
Posted by: scott | 27 November 2006 at 14:37
I'm glad that black politicians are signing on to the recommendations. They are probably skittish to talk about the homophobia reccomendation because that means going against many of the mega-churches and pastors who are sometimes helping them get votes.
Posted by: A. Ronald | 27 November 2006 at 15:57
Nice shot... thought I fail to see how it will work
Posted by: LaNorris | 11 December 2006 at 08:17