As the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, let us not forget another pandemic that has been ravaging communities for over three decades – HIV/AIDS. Although it is no longer making headlines, it is still a major global health issue. In particular, the HIV/AIDS epidemic hit the LGBTQ+ community hard and continues to disproportionately affect them.
The LGBTQ+ community has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic. In the early days, there was a lack of information and funding for research or treatment, and stigma towards those with the virus was high. LGBTQ+ activists and advocates demanded that the government take action and fund research for a cure.
The epidemic had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community. In the United States, gay men were particularly affected and accounted for the majority of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. At the height of the epidemic in the 1980s, it was common to see young men wasting away and dying from AIDS-related illnesses. The epidemic sparked a wave of activism and mobilization in the community.
One of the most iconic and influential figures in the fight against HIV/AIDS was activist and writer, Larry Kramer. Kramer co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the first HIV/AIDS service organization in the US, and later founded ACT UP, a group that put pressure on the government and pharmaceutical companies to increase funding for research and access to treatment. Kramer’s advocacy and outspokenness helped to bring attention to the epidemic and ensure that the government took action.
Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS is still a major issue in the LGBTQ+ community. In the United States, gay and bisexual men accounted for 69% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2017. Transgender women, particularly those of color, are also at increased risk. Stigma and discrimination towards those with HIV still exist, and many continue to face barriers to accessing treatment and care.
However, there have been significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy has made it possible for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. In 2012, the FDA approved Truvada as a daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy, which significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Since then, other PrEP medications have been approved, and their use has become more widespread.
The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility”. It calls on individuals and governments around the world to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This solidarity is especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic further strains healthcare systems and resources worldwide.
In conclusion, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a devastating impact on the LGBTQ+ community. However, the activism it spurred has led to significant advancements in treatment and prevention. There is still much work to be done to end the epidemic once and for all, but with global solidarity and shared responsibility, we can get there. Let us not forget the millions of people worldwide who are still affected by HIV/AIDS and continue to work towards a future where no one is affected by this disease.