Stop the Stigma Targeted Population, Problem, and Partners

HIV among gay and bisexual men has become an epidemic in the United States. Of
all the groups affected by HIV, no group has been impacted worse than gay and
bisexual men. Gay and bisexual men account for 63% of new HIV infections in the
United States, despite only accounting for 2% of the US population 1. There was a
22% increase in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men ages 13-24 1. White men
who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 38% of new HIV infections in 2010,
Hispanic/ Latino MSM accounted for 22% of new HIV infections, and African
American men which has been plagued the most by HIV accounts for 36% of new
HIV infections1. By the end of 2011, approximately 311,087 MSM with AIDS had died
in the US since the beginning of the HIV crisis, accounting for 47% of all deaths of
persons with AIDS1. Stop the Stigma HIV plan program will focus on African
American MSM with HIV ages 13-24 years of age 1. Initiatives to raise awareness,
stop stigma, and increase access to care are a few of the goals this program intends
to implement1.
Characteristics of African American Men Who Have Sex with Men:
1) Behavioral: In general, African Americans are more likely to have sexual
relations with others in their community2. Young AA MSM is more likely to
partner with older MSM who tend to have had more sexual encounters, thus
having a greater risk of HIV exposure2.
2) Cultural: It is believed by many scholars and activist that AA is less tolerant
of homosexuality than whites, although there is little research to support this
belief3. If AA were more homophobic, it is likely that their increased level of
homophobia results in greater stigmatization of homosexuality in AA
communities, and thus, causing more closeted behaviors and creates more
stress among AA MSM3.
3) Demographic: Factors such as poverty, racial discrimination, lack of access
to care, higher incarceration rates are a few of the issues plaguing the AA
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV among gay and bisexual men:
Factsheet. http://www.cdc.gov.hiv/risk/gender/msm/facts/index.html Last update:
March 18, 2014. Accessed: May 21, 2015.
2Avert. HIV and AIDS among African Americans. http://www.avert.org.hiv-aidsamong-african-americans.htm Last update: February 6, 2014. Accessed: May 21,
2015
3 Lemelle A, Battle J. Black masculinity matters in attitudes towards gay males.
Journal of Homosexuality. http://www.usc.edu/studentaffairs/glbss/PDFS/BlackMenMasculinity.pdg Vol 47(1) 2004. doi:
10.1300/J082v47nol_03

community and AA MSM4. All these factors contribute to the higher

prevalence of HIV among AA MSM4.
4) Physical: The higher prevalence of STI/ STDs in the AA community makes
this population particularly AA MSM more vulnerable to HIV 4.
5) Psychographic: Fear of disclosing risk behavior of sexual preference may
stop many from getting tested, prevention and treatment services, and
support from family and friends4.
Stop the Stigma will partner with NC AIDS Action Network to address issues
plaguing AA MSM. Stop the Stigma shares the same beliefs as NC AIDS Action
Network, that HIV can be reduced and the lives of those plagued with this
burdensome disease can be improved with knowledge. NC AIDS Action Network
mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by HIV through outreach,
education, advocacy, and community building 5.

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV among African American youth.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/CDC-Youth-AAs-508.pdf Published:
February 2014. Accessed: May 21, 2015
5 NC AIDS Action Network. About NC AIDS action network.
http://www.ncaan.org/about.html Accessed: May 21, 2015