These numbers should most definitely alarm you. This is the very reason why the emphasis on health equity must remain at the epicenter of our sexual health efforts. With National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day this Sunday, it is vital that we reflect on our history with HIV but also take a hard look at the bigger picture which enables these disparities to thrive. Lack of employment and housing options, racist policing, and violence do not help. Neither does the homophobia which relegates gay and bisexual black men as invisible. For now, we address black gay, bisexual, queer, and same gender-loving men. Black women are not to be dismissed, for the whole community has been dramatically affected by this sexual health crisis.

The statistics above reflect actual lives and not empty percentages for another factsheet.

Black MSM, especially young men, experience the heaviest burden of disease in STDs. HIV should not be the only sexual health concern for Black MSM. Syphilis and gonorrhea infection are troublesome too. Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection. There is an estimated 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to that infection when syphilis is present. Black MSM should have increased access to PrEP, yet comprehensive sexual health should take precedence. Sexual health should be more than disease prevention but speak of pleasure.

Same gender-loving Black men remain under attack from all different angles and the world is not moving fast enough to stop the madness. We have stepped into new vernacular that declares #BlackLivesMatter. Still, many people are going about their business without a second thought.

An analysis of 53 studies show that Black MSM are not having more condom-less sex than their white counterparts but the disease burden is heavier. Black men are still acquiring STDs at disproportionate rates.

To squash these outrageous statistics, we have to ask ourselves some questions:

• What are we doing to engage gay and bisexual black men, young and old?
• What are we doing to empower and embolden BMSM in our clinics, in our drop-in centers, and in our church pews?
• What are we doing about combating stigma?

The HIV care continuum is a visual tool, which depicts the relationship between the number of people diagnosed and the number of people virally suppressed. Stigma, a societal mark casting shame, is considered “The Bar before the Bars” along the HIV care continuum. That bar is chock-full of discrimination, violence, homophobia, homelessness, and shame. This care continuum extends far beyond HIV into syphilis, gonorrhea, and meningitis. We encourage you to revisit the Addressing Stigma Toolkitwhich NCSD and NASTAD published in May 2014.

These are brief and helpful recommendations for all of us but especially for health care professionals:

• Routinize STI and HIV Testing
• Assess current indicators and integrate testing
• Increase learning and skill-building opportunities for optimal care of BMSM
• Create an environment of acceptance and affirmation
• Focus stigma-reduction efforts

Following these steps is so very imperative in ensuring health equity. Stigma and racism are not helping any in assisting interventions. Lip service will not suffice. Action is needed. NCSD and NASTAD have made gay and bisexual men’s health a top priority and will continue to do so. We will soon roll out our latest initiative which will be a MSM Standard of Care and Communication for Providers, aimed at addressing cultural competency and comfort to better enhance comprehensive sexual health. Yes, Sunday is primarily focused on HIV/AIDS but we cannot afford to be passive when our holistic health is at stake.

We cannot continue to praise the genius of “Paris Is Burning” and appropriate Pepper Labeija’s fierceness; meanwhile, sit idly while black gay, queer, and Trans bodies are not considered worthy of deliberate effort.