We Shall Not Be Removed

We Shall Not Be Removed: The State of HIV/AIDS Among Black Gay and Bisexual Men, a four-part Google Hangout series, brings together experts, visionaries and thought leaders from across our LGBT and HIV communities to discuss:

  • the impact of HIV on gay and bisexual men of color;
  • how this issue relates to and stems from parallel social justice movements; and
  • innovative strategies that could help alleviate the epidemic.

Communities across the country are mobilizing in solidarity for social justice, racial equality, and a more just and equal society. HIV is no exception. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men represent 2% of the United States population yet accounted for 63% of new HIV infections in 2010. Among this group, gay and bisexual men of color are even more disproportionately impacted. Young gay and bisexual black men accounted for twice as many new HIV infections as either white or young Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men. The impact of HIV on black gay and bisexual men cannot be ignored.

Watch the recordings:

Part 1: Marlon Riggs’ Legacy and This Political Moment
Part 2: Love, Sex & Trust: Intimacy in the Era of HIV
Part 3: Bridging Belief, Sexuality, and HIV
Part 4: Building Leadership in Black Gay Communities: A Candid Conversation on What We Need to Change

Part 1: Marlon Riggs’ Legacy and This Political Moment

The first in the series, Marlon Riggs’ Legacy and This Political Moment, commemorates the birth of esteemed black gay filmmaker Marlon Riggs. Reuniting panelists from the acclaimed 2014 USCA session, community thought leaders Yolo Akili, Kenyon Farrow, Aquarius Gilmer, and Charles Stephens will discuss the devaluation of black male life made particularly relevant by current events such as Ferguson, the living legacy of Marlon Riggs and his work, and leadership and power in AIDS Service Organizations.

Part 2: Love, Sex & Trust: Intimacy in the Era of HIV

How does HIV status, and our fears about transmission, impact how and who we trust and love? In our efforts to reduce rates of HIV infection, are we inadvertently perpetuating stigma against black gay and bisexual men? Are odds ratios and statistics overshadowing the person in the room? Are we asking the right questions that help us understand how and why we associate love, affection, desire, and intimacy with condom-less sex? Do we understand its impact on HIV prevention? In this interactive conversation, we invite you to engage with us in a critical dialogue about how sex, trust, and intimacy are impacting the HIV epidemic in black gay male communities.

Panelists

Part 3: Bridging Belief, Sexuality, & HIV

Spiritual and religious communities provide a sense of identity, belonging, and comfort for many people. However many of us, as black gay and bisexual men, are told we can’t honor our identity and practice our faith. In addition, many of us feel spurned or silenced by our faith communities because of our HIV status.

Join us for Bridging Belief, Sexuality, & HIV, the third installment of the AIDS United We Shall Not Be Removed Google Hangout series. In this Hangout, we will push back against dangerous and hurtful narratives that make it difficult for us to affirm our self worth, highlight the faith communities that love us as our whole selves, and discuss navigating the challenges of living in a community disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Panelists

Part 4: Building Leadership in Black Gay Communities: A Candid Conversation on What We Need to Change

What are the pressing issues facing intergenerational leadership and its impact on HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment in black gay communities? How do we address who has power, how it is exercised, and how we plan for and transition into the future? When we go beyond stereotypes, what do we actually know about black gay men from other generations?

Join AIDS United for an expert panel of leaders from across the generational divide for an enlightening and lively discussion on what it means to be an intergenerational leader.

Panelists

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