Supporting Young Black and Latinx Gay and Bisexual Men Is Critical to HIV and STI Prevention

In 2019, Black gay and bisexual men accounted for 26% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States, and Latinx gay and bisexual men accounted for 22% of new HIV diagnoses. Further, nearly eight in ten young gay and bisexual men (ages 13-24) diagnosed with HIV in 2018 were Black or Latinx. Thus, these groups should be a central focus of efforts to improve HIV outcomes and to more effectively prevent HIV and STI transmission.

As the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative focuses on priority populations within targeted jurisdictions that account for the majority of new HIV transmissions, efforts in EHE jurisdictions should prioritize culturally relevant services for young Black and Latinx gay and bisexual men. The delivery of specific services, however, is not enough to ensure effective HIV and STI prevention. It is important to recognize the realities of young Black and Latinx gay and bisexual men’s lives and address the social determinants of their health.

The EHE jurisdictions can strengthen HIV and STI prevention by acknowledging the value and needs of Black and Latinx gay and bisexual men, unpacking generations of mistrust of the healthcare system, and adapting programs to fit into the lives of young gay and bisexual men.

Read the Big Ideas here.

Read the Big Ideas in Brief here.