A recent analysis published by researchers from Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Miami reveals that Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are being overlooked in the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (EHE). Despite being disproportionately affected by HIV, only 19 of the 57 priority jurisdictions explicitly identified the needs of Latino sexual minority men in their EHE plans.
Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, co-author of the study, emphasized that this population is not monolithic. “Mexican-born men in Chicago often delay HIV care due to poverty and stigma,” he said, while “Central American Latino immigrant sexual minority men have low HIV testing rates due to low awareness, violence, and chronic stress.”
The analysis found that HIV cases among Latino sexual minority men increased by 24 percent from 2010 to 2022, and by 95 percent among those aged 25–34. Yet only two jurisdictions—Washington, DC and New York—included metrics to track progress for this group.
Researchers warn that the lack of disaggregated data contributes to the erasure of a community highly affected by HIV. They also note that federal efforts to remove health data deemed to promote “gender ideology” further threaten visibility.
Rodriguez-Diaz calls for community engagement and culturally competent strategies. “It is the only way to end the HIV epidemic,” he said.
See: “Latino Sexual Minority Men Overlooked in US HIV Prevention Initiative” (October 10, 2025)
