What to know about HIV testing and treatment if you're Black and LGBTQ+

"Nearly half of all Americans living with HIV in the nation are Black, despite the demographic making up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to first published nearly a decade ago, about half of all Black men who have sex with men will likely be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime."

"We encourage having conversations with partners, asking to status. Too often, people have sex without having that conversation. Then there is an uncomfortable feeling in a doctor's office where you say, 'No, I didn't ask their status,' or 'I didn't know before engaging with them.'"

"The CDC has shut down grants to assist in the treatment and prevention of HIV, cancelling $1.5 billion in grants to states to help those impacted by the disease or who face high risks. That means it falls on individuals to take proactive steps to seek treatment."

Black LGBTQ+ individuals experience the highest HIV infection rates among all demographic groups in the United States. Nearly half of all Americans living with HIV are Black, despite this population representing only 13% of the total U.S. population. Research indicates approximately half of Black men who have sex with men will likely receive an HIV diagnosis during their lifetime. The CDC has reduced support by cancelling $1.5 billion in grants to states for HIV treatment and prevention. Community organizations like Us Helping Us and the Black AIDS Institute continue providing outreach, testing, and care linkages despite reduced federal funding. These organizations emphasize regular testing, partner communication about HIV status, and connection to resources including PrEP medications at reduced costs.

Read at Advocate.com