Black HIV/AIDS Week
Sylvester died of complications from AIDS in San Francisco on December 16, 1988. He was 41 years old.
Yes. We know Black HIV/AIDS Day was yesterday. But who observes such things on a Sunday? And on Super Bowl Sunday at that? We thought it much more proper and practical if we saved our post on Black AIDS Awareness for today—Monday. Just seems to fit better in terms of setting the tone for the week.
This weekend we came across one of the most brilliant speeches we’ve heard on the matter of AIDS in the black community, homophobia, identity, self-esteem, sexuality and the black church.
We believe that all of the above things plays a major factor in why AIDS has been so and continues to be prevalent in the black community. The issues are complex and intertwined—–and unfortunately deadly.
Same gender loving Bishop Yvette Flunder spoke last year at the plenary session “HIV/AIDS Crisis: This Is What We’re Doing About it!” at the 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change.
You have to hear this speech. And if you’re African American or you know someone African American regardless of their sexuality, please share it with them.
Everyday this week we’ll share a post with information on HIV/AIDS treatment and support in the black community. And we’re going to kick that off with Bishop Flunder’s amazing words.
Part 1
Part 2
Community | Derrick Mathis February 8, 2010
By Mark Fischer, February 8, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I love Sylvester . . . and miss him even now! I know that isn't exactly the deepest place to begin talking about HIV/AIDS . . . but on the other hand, one of the greatest losses of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the "loss of simple joy" it has caused. People who brought us joy . . . famous people, infamous (LOL) people, friends, lovers, co-workers and more . . . have been taken form us. The world is less than it might have been had they lived. We must unite . . . in honor of them, in defense of others, int he interest of a better tomorrow . . . to fight and beat this epidemic!
The African American community, gay and straight, is the most endangered and least prepared to defend itself at the present. This must end. Homophobia feeds HIV stigma. Stigma breeds ignorance and less than full honesty with sexual partners. Ignorance and dishonesty related to sex lead to new infections. The cycle is never ending unless individuals step in and step up.
Others can try to help but only members of the African American community can make the real difference in this fight. Many in the African American community mistrust outsiders and resent outside interference. The reasons for such attitudes are understandable but can do much harm when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
So, with all due understanding and respect, it is time for HIV+ African Americans and LGBT African Americans to muster the courage to come out and speak up. Those who have resisted accepting this responsibility must come to see themselves as the single most effective weapon to save the lives of their brothers and sisters . . . to prevent the currently uninfected form getting infected . . . and to get those already infected into care and keep them there. Others can and must help create the resources and funding to do the work that needs to be done. However,when it comes to spreading the word and persuading folks to do what is best for themselves and those they love, nobody does a better job than a trusted neighbor, friend or loved one.
I may sound like I'm preachin' . . . and maybe I am . . . but mostly I'm pleadin' !!! Yes, a mind is a terrible think to waste . . . so, a life is even more terrible to waste!!!
PS I've been living with HIV for 24+ years so I am speaking form experience and out of love!!
By Ielda, March 4, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
If this is actually the wrong area for this I am sorry. Aloha you all. Recently just joined up with renwl.org. Wished to express how excellent this community is;)