What's Up

     As a Men of Color Risk Reduction Specialist for
Community AIDS Network, I have been required to work
one on one with many persons living with HIV. What I
have been made aware of is that many of the client base
that use the services of non-profit organizations are both
HIV+ and drug dependent. The two fold problem can create
quite a dilemma when you couple these two health issues
with inadequate housing, unemployment, underemployment,
exclusion from the Gay Community and rejection from the
African American Community.

     Substance abuse runs rampant in our community. There
is a clear difference in behavior patterns and a clear difference
in the way in which this community should be approached when
attempting to provide resources and support. It is vital that you
first address drug dependency problems. Counseling,
rehabilitation programs and support groups, many times miss
the mark for Gay Men of Color. Consequently, when you
attempt to provide support and even financial assistance you
may be met with hostility, anger and receive rejection for what
was clearly meant to be help to the client.

     Many persons who are African American Gay, HIV+ and drug
dependent blame agencies and care givers for their HIV status
and dependency problems. Clear mistrust surfaces when people
who work in HIV / AIDS programs don't take the time to
identify this community as clearly different, with their own issues,
that must be addressed with sensitivity by someone who will take
the time to diffuse the fires that burn so deep within this community.

     Sex is the primary mode of transmission for HIV of all groups of
people. Injection drug use is the second most frequently reported
risk behavior. African Americans comprise 12% of the population
for the US, but account for 38% of the diagnosed cases of AIDS.
Over half of all African Americans with AIDS were infected by IV
drug use.

     Drug addiction is dangerous to our community as a whole, and
when it's coupled with HIV it becomes more devastating. Persons
who are drug dependent rarely stop and think about HIV risk
factors when seeking their next fix. Consequently, many Men
of Color who are HIV+ and drug dependent prostitute to support
their habit and do not disclose to their purchaser "Buyer Beware".

     Reasoning and analysis can only be obtained with a person who
is not under the influence of drugs. Therefore, when working with
this population, it is necessary to address the primary health issue,
drug dependency. Only then can persons begin to take responsible
action for their lives and the lives of others.

Some Fast Facts:
1. Total estimate on the number of gay men of color with alcohol
and drug dependency problems: 777,759.

2. Caucasians who have used cocaine within the last year:
1.5% of the population in The US.

3. Hispanics who have used cocaine within the last year:
2.4% of the population in The US.

4. African Americans who have used cocaine within the last year:
2.9% of the population in The US.

5. Caucasians who have used alcohol within the last year:
69.8% of the population in The US.

6. Hispanics who have used alcohol within the last year:
63% of the population in The US.

7. African Americans who have used alcohol within the last year:
55.8% of the population in The US.

The above statistical information demonstrates that minorities,
as well as other cultures, have clear dependency issues that need
to be addressed. Getting to the root of these problems will be a
step toward the fight to reduce the spread of HIV.