Various organizations and community center were established in support for the LGBTQ+ community affected by the epidemic. First was Gay Men’s Health Crisis, which was founded in 1982 in New York City. During their first day of opening they received more than 100 calls. The group would connect affected individuals to support services. 

Many other organizations formed, and stood up against the silence from CDC and FDA. As a result, FDA opened access to experimental drugs. Not only was the community united, but they were also very educated about the healthcare system and were able to challenge it. Their activism was able to challenge the system and pressure the big companies in charge of healthcare.    


HIV/AIDS in the USA and the LGBTQ+ community activism

In 1981, the first report was published describing an individual gay man in LA experiencing flu-like symptoms. Later that year CDC formed a task force to address the issue and more and more reports came out. Gay men were particularly blamed on TV, and little was done to protect or help them. 


University of Rochester

According to the CDC, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attack’s the infected person’s immune system. With proper care, one can manage their HIV symptoms and protect their families, however, when not treated HIV leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS. 

HIV/AIDS 

-	About HIV/AIDS | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC. Cdc.gov. Retrieved 31 August 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html.

-	Greene, W. (2007), A history of AIDS: Looking back to see ahead. Eur. J. Immunol., 37: S94-S102. https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737441

-	HIV/AIDs Timeline | NPIN. Npin.cdc.gov. Retrieved 31 August 2021, from https://npin.cdc.gov/pages/hiv-and-aids-timeline#1980.

-	Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities. HIV.gov. Retrieved 31 August 2021, from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/impact-on-racial-and-ethnic-minorities.

-	Parkins, K. (2021). Moderna set to start human trials of experimental mRNA HIV vaccine. Clinical Trials Arena. Retrieved 31 August 2021, from https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/moderna-hiv-vaccine/. 

-	Tomar, A., Spadine, M. N., Graves-Boswell, T., & Wigfall, L. T. (2021). COVID-19 among LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV/AIDS: psycho-social challenges and care options. AIMS public health, 8(2), 303–308. https://doi.org/10.3934/publichealth.2021023


HIV/AIDS References

According to the CDC, there are three stages of HIV infections:
- Stage 1 – Acute HIV Infection
- Stage 2 – Chronic HIV Infection
- Stage 3 - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)


Stages of HIV 

A recent article by Tomar et al. (2021) highlighted the importance of providing LGBTQ+ individuals with HIV with support and resources to alleviate the difficulties Covid-19 may have brought. Some issues they highlighted were lack of social isolation, HIV medications, as well as lack of mental health services that could have impacted LGBTQ+ community especially worse.

LGBTQ+ community and the Covid-19 Pandemic

Early events of HIV/AIDS in the USA and the LGBTQ+ community 

After the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, Moderna has undertaken the task of developing HIV vaccine. They are currently recruiting people for their trials. 

HIV Vaccine Development

In the last few years, the impact of HIV/AIDS has been  especially hard for the people of color. According to reports, in 2018, African Americans accounted for 41% of people with HIV, even though they are only 13% of the US population. Similarly, Hispanics/Lations represent 13% of the population, yet they account for the 23% of people diagnosed with HIV. To address the issue, it is important to provide education about HIV/AIDS in minority populations, as well as address stigma, discrimination, and racism. Cultural competency is also an important aspect as it will allow the researchers to understand the specific needs of the affected populations. 

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