Content Filed Under: HIV

Blog Post

James Brown Shares His Story on Living with HIV, Discrimination and an Urgent Call for LGBTQ Protections

By Communications Team • March 25, 2022, 9:20 am The lack of understanding around HIV paired with the fact that our country does not have an explicit federal law prohibiting anti-LGBTQ discrimination makes it challenging for those of us with the virus to live our lives freely.

Blog Post

HIV+ Transgender New Yorker Speaks Out on the Need for the Equality Act

By Communications Team • October 12, 2021, 2:09 pm "Our leaders in Congress can lead by example. They should act now to pass federal legislation to protect all LGBTQ Americans, in all areas of life — including employment, housing, and public spaces." 

News Clip

Federal laws protecting LGBTQ people against housing discrimination are a must

South Florida Sun Sentinel • June 28, 2021, 11:41 am Twenty-six years ago, I was diagnosed with HIV and thought my life might be over. Back then, the health department didn’t offer any advice on living with the virus, so I was convinced my diagnosis was a death sentence. I had friends and acquaintances who contracted HIV and died from AIDS. I woke up every day and pondered if I would meet a similar fate.

News Clip

Federal anti-discrimination laws should extend to military

Times Herald-Record • May 27, 2021, 10:25 am Military Appreciation Month is celebrated every May, which is why it’s a special month for me as a veteran. I served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army for nearly three decades. I dedicated my life to this country and proudly served in Bosnia and Iraq. When I joined the Army, I couldn’t fully be myself as a gay American because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or DADT, a notorious policy that barred openly LGBTQ Americans from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces until its repeal in 2011. I had to hide who I was and yet I put my life on the line to protect the freedoms that we all cherish as Americans.

News Clip

How People Living With HIV Can Benefit From the Equality Act

Plus Magazine • May 25, 2021, 4:01 pm The federal legislation — waiting for a vote in the Senate — will end numerous aspects of discrimination against people with HIV.

News Clip

A Longtime HIV Survivor on How We Achieve Health Equity

The Advocate • February 11, 2021, 12:28 pm With the inauguration of President Joe Biden, I hope we may now see the kind of leadership on LGBTQ issues we need. As a gay African-American man living with HIV, I have lived through two pandemics. Under both HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, LGBTQ people have had to shoulder the burden of discrimination while fighting to survive. I hope that 2021 is the year that changes.

Blog Post Story

“People need to know that the H in HIV stands for human.” HIV prevention specialist Carter Cantrell on discrimination and other barriers to care.

By Communications Team • January 27, 2021, 10:21 am It’s been nearly 40 years since this country saw the first reported cases of HIV. Unfortunately, we still have work to do to make sure that people living with HIV can get the care we need. 

News Clip

From HIV/AIDS to COVID-19: Public health crises underscore need for policies that don’t discriminate

Chicago Tribune • November 30, 2020, 11:59 am Every year on Dec. 1, people around the globe commemorate World AIDS Day, an occasion to remember the many people who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS over the past 40 years. This year’s observance comes at a frightening surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

News Clip

Living with HIV when LGBTQ rights aren’t guaranteed: Ontare Calwise

cleveland.com • November 27, 2020, 11:51 am This year, as we approach World AIDS Day Dec. 1, I find myself reflecting on my years living with HIV, thinking about the progress we have made over the past four decades, as well as the fight still ahead.

Story

We Need More Education for Quality Health Care and Legal Protections for All LGBTQ Americans

September 9, 2020, 1:09 pm At a time of crisis, when so many Americans are facing difficulties securing employment, finding housing, and accessing health care, it’s important to ensure no one is denied these services due to discrimination. I know firsthand how it feels to be rejected simply for being who you are. As a Black, queer person living with HIV, I have dealt with stigma and judgment for most of my life. 

Story

LGBTQ Protections Would Make Our Country Safer and More Inclusive

September 3, 2020, 2:32 pm "No one should be discriminated against because of who they are, who they love, or their health status. That’s why it’s more important than ever that Congress finish the job and pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for ALL LGBTQ Americans, in all areas of life – including housing and public spaces."