The 411 on Young Straight Black Men and HIV/AIDS
Why HIV needs to be on heterosexual Black men's radar.
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Why HIV Matters to You - When it comes to news about HIV/AIDS in Black America, most of it is centered on Black gay and bisexual men and Black women. But that doesn’t mean that HIV/AIDS is not an issue for heterosexual Black men. Read more about why you are not exempt from the virus. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
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It Ain’t the DL, Boo - Regardless of what pop culture keeps telling us, there are mounds of research that has said repeatedly that “sinister down-low brothas” are not fueling HIV/AIDS among Black women. Not to mention, a recent study found that bisexual men’s risk for HIV is no higher than men who only sleep with women. (Photo: Lionsgate Films, Tyler Perry Productions)
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Heterosexual Sex and HIV Infections - Eighty-seven percent of Black women who are newly diagnosed contract HIV through heterosexual sex with men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If it’s not the DL, then it’s clear that heterosexual Black men can get HIV too and are helping fuel these numbers among Black women. (Photo: Simon Watson/Getty Images)
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The Actual Numbers - Heterosexual Black men are the fifth largest group impacted by HIV in the U.S. (Black women are fourth), says the CDC. In 2010, 2,700 heterosexual Black men were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This number does not include the 1,100 Black male IV drug users who were diagnosed with HIV that same year. (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
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What’s the Real Risk? - While the risk for a woman to contract HIV from a man during unprotected sex is higher than a man contracting it from a woman, it’s still very possible and happens more often that we might think, the CDC confirms. You are at risk too and need to take the proper precautions to protect yourself. (Photo: GettyImages)
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What Makes Straight Men Vulnerable to HIV Infection? - There are many factors, which include: high rates of undiagnosed and untreated STDs; higher rates of undiagnosed and untreated HIV that makes people more infectious; lack of access to health care for testing and treatment; disproportionate poverty and other reasons. (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
Photo By Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
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Why Do Straight Men Get Ignored? - Stigma and homophobia play a large role in why we tend to believe that only gay men have HIV. But also aren’t enough campaigns, prevention programs and research on a federal and HIV organizational level that are specifically geared toward straight Black men either. This lack of awareness impacts your own ability to look at the epidemic as your own problem. (Photo: Richard Flood/Getty Images)
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Why Getting Tested Yearly Is Important - Some of you try to test through your partners. “Well if she ain’t positive, I know I’m not.” This is not a reliable way of knowing your status. Get tested every year to take control of your health. Learn where you can get tested at hivtest.gov. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Using Condoms Is Key - Fellas: In many cases, you control whether or not condoms get used. Protect yourself, and her, by using condoms. Have an honest conversation about your relationship, testing and safe sex history. (Photo: GettyImages)
