From the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute’s

Division of HIV/Sexually Transmitted Disease/Hepatitis C Prevention

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí

September 27^th is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

 National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) was first recognized in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS. It serves as an important reminder of the beginning of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in 1981, and the resulting challenges and successes seen worldwide. This day calls critical attention to the many challenges that gay men have faced physically, mentally, socially, legally, and societally—some of which continue to this day.

 Beth Wolff, the Senior Director of Medical and Mental Health Services at Ali Forney, commented on the historic and ongoing collaboration to end HIV and AIDS amongst the different identities within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and Asexual community.  Beth shares that:

 “The leadership, creativity, and strength of gay men have fueled much of the progress in HIV prevention and care. However, the resilience and leadership of queer and trans[gender] women and nonbinary people have also been central to this movement. Today, our community continues to confront growing stigma, isolation, and barriers to healthcare, housing, and employment. With resilience and collective care, we have built progress – and the stories of people living with HIV remind us that survival and joy are powerful forms of resistance.”

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute’s Division of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Disease, and Hepatitis C Prevention reaffirms our commitment to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and Asexual New Yorkers. Today in particular, we recognize and celebrate all who identify as gay men, across all identities, expressions, and lived experiences.  As we continue our work toward Ending the Epidemic, we commit to keeping the historical context of our work at the forefront of our minds, with our words, and our actions.

GET INVOLVED AND TAKE ACTION

TALK to your friends, family members, and colleagues about the importance of getting tested for HIV. The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute offers free HIV self-testing kits to eligible individuals. Also, you can find a nearby testing site using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Test Site Locator.

CONNECT people to needed HIV services. Visit the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute’s Provider Directory where you can search for HIV service providers in your area. The provider directory also includes related services such as hepatitis C services, sexually transmitted infection services, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and services for people who use drugs.

PROMOTE HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and anti-stigma messaging on social media.