In wake of new study
Black gay network hits gov't neglect
By Imani
Henry
New York
On Feb. 15, some 50 outraged protesters picketed in front
of the Federal building here to demand more federal funding
for services and programming for Black gay men.
Called by the New York State Black Gay Network, the
demonstration responded to the recent Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention study that found that Black gay men in
their 20s had the highest HIV infection rate of any group in
that age category. The study was conducted from 1998 through
2000 in six cities, including Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York and Seattle.
The NYS Black Gay Network demanded accountability from
federal, state and local agencies for the governmental
neglect and lack of targeted resources in the fight against
HIV, resulting in the ongoing devastation experienced by
Black gay men's communities and communities of color.
Michael Robeson, Director of Services, of People of Color
in Crisis, a Black gay agency for HIV prevention based in
Brooklyn, N.Y., told WW,"This is about racism and homophobia.
We are not invisible. Black gay men are everywhere. But there
is always a lack of monies for communities of color,
especially for the gay community of color."
Immediately following the demonstration, activists held a
meeting with the New York State Health Commissioner. Further
community response is being planned for the coming weeks.
Groups represented at the picket included the Audre Lorde
Project, Gay Men of African Descent, Gay Men's Health Crisis,
Harlem Director's Group, Men of Color Health Awareness,
Minority Task Force on AIDS, NYC Gay & Lesbian
Anti-Violence Project, People of Color in Crisis, Unity
Fellowship Church, Harlem United, ACT-UP NY, the AIDS Housing
Network and the International Action Center.
This article is copyright under a Creative
Commons License.
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