• African Americans account for a growing share of AIDS diagnoses over time, rising from 25% of cases diagnosed in 1985 to 49% in 2003.
• African American women accounted for two-thirds (67%) of new AIDS cases among women in 2003;white women accounted for 15% and Latinas 16%.
• Among men who have sex with men (MSM), African Americans have been particularly hard hit. A study in 6 major U.S.cities found that almost a third (32%) of African American MSM ages 23–29 were already infected with HIV, compared to 7% of white MSM
• Deaths among African Americans with AIDS remained fairly stable between 1999 and 2003, but declined by 18% among whites over this period.
Fast Facts courtesy of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Down Low
Extensive media coverage and several popular books have publicized the “Down Low” or “DL,” which refers to the practice of ostensibly straight black men having sex with other men. There are no official studies about how extensive the practice is or how it impacts the HIV/AIDS crises among African Americans.
George Burgess: A recovering heroin addict, George is also HIV-positive. He says the “down low” is not a new phenomenon. George believes that the label negatively impacts heterosexual survivors like him and keeps the public from learning about the various ways HIV/AIDS is transmitted.
Dr. David Malbranche: An AIDS researcher and clinician at Grady Memorial Hospital, Dr. Malbranche says focus on “down low” diverts attention from legitimate AIDS prevention. Dr. Malbranche also believe the characterization of bisexual black men as “vectors of transmission” is racist.
Sheryl Johnson: Sheryl learned she was HIV-positive in 1996, following a long-time relationship with a man on the “down low.” She was a guest on “Oprah,” April 16, 2004 when the program addressed the “down low” phenomenon. Although she describes her experience on the program as “disappointing,” she considers it important for black women to educate themselves about the transmission of HIV/AIDS by men on the DL.
