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 to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of the HIV epidemic on gay and bisexual men in the United States. The observance offers an opportunity to fight stigma and encourage HIV testing, prevention, and treatment among gay and bisexual men.

This community of men face multiple challenges – such as racism, discrimination, homophobia, and stigma – that may increase the risk for HIV.

Discrimination such as racism, ageism, and homophobia make the struggle of living with HIV especially hard for Gay and Bisexual Men. These intersecting stigmas can hinder their access to testing and treatment services. For Gay and Bisexual Men of colour, these challenges are especially prevalent.

While new HIV diagnoses have dropped, Gay and Bisexual Men are still face discrimination, both in the mainstream and the LGBTIQ community. 

*This post uses the term Gay and Bisexual Men to represent gay, bisexual, and other men who report male-to-male sexual contact.