Examining HIV and Aging on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
For National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, it is important to highlight the disproportionate rates of HIV within the Black community and the unique challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ elders aging with HIV. With LGBTQ+ people of color being among the sub-populations that experience the highest rates of HIV, we are proud to work with leaders like Malcolm Reid who can help educate about this discrepancy, spotlight how systemic racism has impacted the AIDS epidemic, and advocate for policies that address the needs of these underserved communities.
Malcolm Reid is a member of SAGE’s HIV & Aging Policy Action Coalition (HAPAC) and has been working with THRIVE SS to support older Black men living with HIV for the last 4 years. He is a co-author and Program Manager of the Silver Lining Project, a program that supports and advocates for Black gay men over the age of 50, living with HIV.
“When I was 40, HIV came into my life and I had to learn to deal with that as well. I had to fight the stigma, fight the shame, and fight the trauma. Now I am stronger than ever – ready, and more importantly, willing to fight for other Black gay men living with HIV. I use my superpowers every day as I advocate for health equity.”
Read more about HAPAC’s work here.
