MOVING FORWARD

Earlier this month, the CDC released new findings that indicated that Gay & Bisexual men continue to make up the largest portion of new HIV/AIDS infections.  While HIV infection rates have remained level across the country, with new infections hovering around 50,000 per year, the infection rate amongst gay/bi men continues to climb.

The study showed that while gay/bi men make up only 2% of the population, they are an astounding 61% of new infections.  Young MSM (ages 13 to 29) were most affected, representing more than 1 in 4 (27%) of all new HIV infections nationally in 2009. Although young MSM of all races are affected, black MSM were the only group to see a statistically significant jump in new infections over the 4 years studied. Between 2006 and 2009, new HIV infections among young black MSM surged by half (48%), from 4400 infections to 6500 infections.  These rates are even scarier, when you consider that 1 in 5 people in the US do not know their HIV status.

Last week, The GA Voice did an article/cover story on some of the work that is being done in Atlanta to help combat these trends.  If you missed it, you can find the article here.  Clearly we have a lot of work to do still in the battle against HIV/AIDS.  One of our biggest foes is stigma.  Our new web outreach at http://www.getupandgoatlanta.com/ is working to help alleviate some of that stigma.  Here, gay & bi men (and our allies) can access video trainings to learn more about safer sex information.  You can also get information on how to start those conversations about safer sex with your friends and loved ones.  Additionally, men can find events in the Atlanta area to allow them to socialize with other gay/bi men and to meet with AID Atlanta staff face to face.