National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

African-Americans constitute almost 13% of the population in the USA yet they represent almost 50% of all categories in HIV/AIDS related statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1999, alarmed over the effects of HIV/AIDS on the Black American community, the CDC, U.S. Public Health Service, representatives of organizations serving African-Americans and persons of faith met to address concerns over rising infection rates. One of the results of these meetings was the decision to observe February 7, annually, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). The first NBHAAD was conducted on February 7, 2000.

NBHAAD mandates four (4) key components present for a successful awareness campaign. Each component is designed to build individual and community strengths in combatting HIV/AIDS. The four elements are as follows:

Get educated: know the facts about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Get involved: learn about opportunities available in community prevention efforts.

Get tested: know your status and encourage/empower others to do the same.

Get treatment: to receive proper healthcare and support needed to successfully live with HIV.

KNOWLEDGE = POWER!

Get tested in order to know your status.

Get active! `~ Get involved! ~ Take control!

Basic Facts: HIV/AIDS:

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is a result of HIV infection.

HIV is not spread by everyday, casual contact. HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.

Remember: It is not who we are but rather what we do that puts us at risk for HIV infection!

Analysis proves that people learn and retain knowledge most effectively from people they perceive as most like themselves. NBHAAD is an African-American based organization to provide direction, guidance and implementation to the Black American population specifically. It represents a resource that is accessible, authentic and dependable.

Legendary openly gay film star, Kory Mitchell, (sometimes known as “Kory Kong”) born in Germany of African-American and German parents, became an HIV+ gay porn industry advocate and educator of HIV/AIDS prevention skills. He was quickly identified as the “Magic Johnson of Gay Pornography!” On the very first NBHAAD, Kory and Magic appeared together throughout the day to encourage involvement with NBHAAD and the options available to living and thriving as HIV+.

No matter his career in gay pornography, after Kory became established professionally, he had “blessed” tattooed on his back shoulder and a cross tattooed onto his abdomen. The purpose was to remind his fans of his Christian faith. Shortly after his diagnosis as HIV+, he had the word “hope” tattooed onto his neck. Instead of the letter “o,” he had a red AIDS awareness ribbon used.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked!”