In a critical examination of health disparities, recent findings highlight the alarming rate of HIV infections among gay Black men in the United States, attributing a significant portion of the blame to inadequate access to health care. Deion Hawkins, an expert in Critical Race Theory (CRT) and health communication campaigns, underscores the disproportionate impact of HIV on the Black community, particularly among gay and bisexual men. This demographic accounted for 26% of the 36,801 new HIV diagnoses in 2019, marking them as the most affected group in the country.
Hawkins, who serves as an Assistant Professor of Argumentation & Advocacy and the Director of Debate at Emerson College, delves into the intersections of communication, race, police brutality, and trauma in his research. His work is pivotal in understanding the complex factors contributing to health disparities, including the role of systemic inequities and underrepresentation in healthcare access.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports these findings, noting that Black/African American gay and bisexual men are more affected by HIV than any other group in the U.S. Despite the overall progress in reducing HIV diagnoses, which has brought the lifetime risk of HIV diagnosis in the U.S. to 1 in 99, disparities persist. Gay and bisexual men, especially those who are Black, continue to face the highest risk.
Hawkins’ research and advocacy efforts are part of a broader movement to address health inequities and improve outcomes for marginalized communities. By highlighting the critical need for equitable healthcare access and the importance of targeted communication and intervention strategies, his work contributes to the ongoing fight against HIV and health disparities at large.
See “Lack of Access to Health Care Is Partly to Blame for Skyrocketing HIV Rates Among Gay Black Men” on the Scheerpost website (February 10, 2024)
