Every December 1st, the world unites to commemorate World AIDS Day, a time to reflect on the lives affected by HIV/AIDS, honor the memories of those lost, and renew our commitment to ending the epidemic.
This year, as we focus on reducing stigma and increasing awareness, it is crucial to spotlight the vital role of Black voices in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
HIV/AIDS and the Black Community
Black communities in the United States and globally remain disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS due to a confluence of systemic barriers such as healthcare inequities, socioeconomic disparities, and enduring stigma. According to the CDC, in the U.S., Black Americans accounted for 40% of new HIV diagnoses in 2021 despite representing just 13% of the population.
These disparities are exacerbated by the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, which discourages open discussions, testing, and treatment adherence. Within Black communities, stigma is often rooted in historical mistrust of medical institutions, religious and cultural taboos, and societal judgment of LGBTQ+ identities and sexual health.
Below are Black organizations, celebrities, and platforms that used their platforms to amplify black voices and stories in HIV Stigma Sunday.
Creators
Happy World AIDS Day! ♥️
Please take a moment to reach out to your loved ones who have been affected by the virus and have shown the world that they are survivors in their own right.
They truly deserve our love and support.#WorldAidsDay2024 pic.twitter.com/X4iPxopjIB
— 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬,𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜. (@StevieDerrick_) December 1, 2024
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Activists
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Black Organizations
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Black Gay Advocacy on Social Media
Today, we stand united for a world where health is a right, not a privilege. Let’s continue to #StopHIVTogether, embrace our diverse communities, and empower each other to take the right path toward a healthier, more equitable future. #WorldAIDSDay2024 pic.twitter.com/d6crbqyyRB
— BLACK, GAY, stuck at home (@_BGSAH) December 1, 2024
On this #WorldAidsDay, remember: your journey matters. Whether you’re living with HIV or loving someone who is, your courage is a testament to unyielding strength. Keep standing tall because we are rewriting the narrative together with love, power, and grace. #WorldAidsDay2024 pic.twitter.com/NWZTnW0jIq
— The G-Listed (@theglisted) December 1, 2024
Today, on World AIDS Day, we honour the lives lost, celebrate progress, and recommit to the fight for equity and access to care for all.
Let’s amplify the voices of those impacted and work toward an HIV-free future.#WorldAIDSDay #EndTheStigma #HIVAwareness pic.twitter.com/GKiasDTbhd
— BLACK GAY VOICES (@BlackGayVoices) December 1, 2024
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International
As we celebrate #WorldAIDSDay remember to:
Promote Everyone’s Rights
Repeal laws limiting LGBTQ+ access to care
Get Tested
Get on Prevention services
Get on Treatment
Encourage friends and family to know their status.#WorldAidsDay2024 pic.twitter.com/WOIrarD9bj— AWH Uganda (@ArkWellnessHub) December 1, 2024
On World AIDS Day, we call for equal access to health for all, including LGBTIQ+ people across Africa. Addressing inequalities is the key to ending AIDS and ensuring that everyone can exercise their right to health. Everyone deserves access to healthcare without fear of… pic.twitter.com/QSIEpROiR0
— Pan Africa ILGA (@PanAfricaILGA) December 1, 2024
Today on #WorldAIDSDay2024, I remember with honour the many friends we have lost from AIDS. Countries like #trinidadandtobago that criminalise LGBTQ+ people have HIGHER INFECTION RATES, LOWER DRUG ADHERENCE & nearly a million people are still dying from AIDS every year globally🧵 pic.twitter.com/yviFnNfHGl
— Jason Jones (@trinijayjay) December 2, 2024