National Gay Men’s HIV/Awareness Day

Sunday, September 27th marks National Gay Men’s HIV/Awareness Day, continuing a mission that began in 2008 to increase awareness of HIV’s impact on gay and bisexual men, expand access to testing and prevention, and confront stigma.

While significant progress has been made in the treatment of HIV, it remains a critical public health concern, affecting people across all identities, yet its impact continues to fall disproportionately on LGBTQ+ communities – particularly Black and Latino gay and bisexual men.

According to the CDC, in 2024, some 38,000 people aged 13 and older in this country were diagnosed with HIV, with men accounting for 80% of cases and male-to-male sexual contact representing 65% of diagnoses. Data points to Hispanic/Latino men over age 24 making up the largest share of male-to-male transmission, followed closely by Black men at 39%. Research also indicates that these groups are less likely to know their HIV status compared with white men, reflecting persistent inequities in access to testing, prevention, and care. These disparities underscore the urgent need to expand awareness and ensure equitable access to life-saving HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services across sexual and racial/ethnic minority communities.

At Whittier Street Health Center we are committed to reducing the burden of HIV among those most affected while ensuring that everyone in our community has the tools they need to protect their health.

Our Infectious Disease and Special Population Department located in the Frederica M. Williams Building at 1290 Tremont Street in Roxbury provides confidential rapid HIV testing and linkage to care, including PrEP and PEP medications, ongoing treatment for individuals living with HIV, and supportive services. Those testing positive are connected to a medical case manager. Whittier also offers HIV testing at shelters and high-risk locations through its Mobile Van program.

Additionally, our LGBTQ+ Center is dedicated to culturally competent care, with counseling tailored to LGBTQ+ patients living with HIV.

For free and confidential HIV counseling and testing, please call our hotline at 617-308-0060 for immediate assistance or stop by the Frederica M. Williams Building to schedule an appointment and meet with our staff.