Iris House, Inc.’s Post

Health is more than just individual choices; it's influenced by the social, economic, and political environments we live in. From housing to education, social inclusion to working conditions, every aspect shapes our well-being. However, when structural barriers like racial inequality and discrimination exist, they hinder access to vital resources, resulting in poorer quality of life and higher rates of mortality. Naz formed the Global HIV Collaborative, a collaborative of reproductive and sexual health activists and experts, with the goal of changing the story of HIV for Black communities on a global scale, but tackling HIV is more than just ending new transmissions. We believe that to improve HIV related-health outcomes for Black communities, we need to improve all the systems which impact and influence health. #TheRealConversation is a call to action: dismantling racial inequality, discrimination, stigma, and misogyny requires the collaboration of civil society, governments, and international organizations to work together to identify, address, and improve the health outcomes of Black communities around the world. Our approach must centre the voices and expertise of Black communities who live these realities every day and know the best the solutions to improve health and well-being. #HealthEquity #Justice

A new report launched today by UNAIDS, Let Communities Lead, shows that AIDS can be ended as a public health threat by 2030, but only if community-led HIV programmes get the full support they need from governments and donors. For real recommendations on why and how you should support communities, read the companion website featuring guest essays from community leaders. In particular, this important insight from GATE - Global Action for Trans Equality Executive Director Erika Castellanos: "Provide financial backing: passion fuels community-led initiatives, but they also need tangible resources.It is crucial for donors to invest in these grassroots movements, enabling them to amplify their efforts." https://lnkd.in/eJ2dZ7YD

How do youth feel about GBV and HIV? What do they need to help them address gender inequality, violence and HIV in their communities? Read the report from our Youth Summit 2023: https://lnkd.in/dX95wiaz #YouthRising #EndGBV #EndAIDS

🌍✨ Today, on World AIDS Day, let's unite in our commitment to reduce stigma, advocate for treatment, and champion prevention efforts. The HIV/AIDS epidemic persists, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ individuals and Black women. It's crucial that we stand together to create a world free from discrimination and to ensure access to care for all. 🏳️🌈❤️ The impact of HIV/AIDS is felt most acutely by the LGBTQ+ community, where stigma and discrimination can hinder awareness, testing, and treatment. Let's work towards a future where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, lives without fear of judgment, and where support and resources are readily available. 🌸 For Black women, the fight against HIV/AIDS is a multifaceted challenge. Let's acknowledge and address the intersectionality of gender and race, advocating for equitable access to healthcare, education, and resources. By amplifying diverse voices, we can break down barriers and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a world without AIDS. I am a big supporter of #Gilead and so appreciative of the community engagement work they do to combat HIV/AIDS stigma. We were fortunate enough to have them join us this year at Rainbow DisruptCon and their presentation reinforced that there is still so much work to be done to eradicate this disease in our lifetime. On this World AIDS Day, let's amplify awareness, promote understanding, and emphasize the importance of inclusivity in the global response to HIV/AIDS. By fostering a culture of empathy and support, we can make strides towards ending the stigma and building a world where healthcare is a right for all. #WorldAIDSDay #EndTheStigma #HIVAwareness #SupportPrevention #HealthEquity 🌈🌏

From the World Health Organization (WHO): World AIDS Day (December 1, 2023) is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date, raise awareness about the challenges that remain to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030 and mobilize all stakeholders to jointly redouble efforts to ensure the success of the HIV response. Through our publications, RUP is educating readers and empowering communities to combat stigma and discrimination. "The Sounds of Furious Living" seeks to understand the AIDS activist tradition, identifying the historical currents out of which it arose. "A Pill for Promiscuity" brings together academics, artists, and activists—from different generations, countries, ethnic backgrounds, and HIV statuses—to reflect on how gay sex has changed in a post-PrEP era. Find out more about each book here: https://ow.ly/E12e50Qer0t https://ow.ly/cRbn50Qer0s And for more information about World AIDS Day visit: https://ow.ly/xB4850Qer0q

🌍 “Combating transphobia requires collective action and solidarity from individuals, communities, and governments worldwide” The Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) has published a special #IDAHOBIT viewpoint, “Breaking Barriers: Addressing Transphobia and Advancing Transgender Rights in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond”, by Rena Janamnuaysook, Danvic Rosadiño and Erika Castellanos. 📰 Check out the viewpoint now and speak up today and every day against discrimination! #PutPeopleFirst #HIV #journal

Gabriella Palmeri (Head of Partnerships) and Ramin Bastani (CEO) co-authored a feature in LGBTQ Nation for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, spotlighting the potential of AI in advancing equitable HIV care for Black Americans: "HIV still plagues Black Americans at alarming rates. Could AI be the key to more equitable care?" --> "The disparity in HIV prevalence is particularly pronounced among Black women, who account for 72% of women living with HIV today. CDC data shows that coverage among those who could benefit from PrEP is almost three times higher among males than females - a discrepancy fueled by persistent misconceptions about HIV risk and marketing practices that often exclude women as potential PrEP users. In response, Healthvana's goal is to reach women undergoing routine STI testing to address and bridge this critical disparity in PrEP uptake" - Gabriella Palmeri https://lnkd.in/dPs-BwVb

🌈 Let's Champion Inclusion and Violence Prevention Together! 🌟 🔗 Join me in advocating for greater inclusion of trans men and reinforcing violence prevention efforts. It's crucial to recognize that everyone deserves to live free from violence and discrimination, regardless of gender identity. 🌍💙 🌐 The intersectionality of sexual violence against males and the heightened risk of HIV/AIDS is a critical issue. By addressing these concerns, we take a significant step toward a more inclusive and healthier society. 🌈 I invite you to register for an insightful webinar on this important topic: Webinar Link - https://lnkd.in/equ3kv-c 📅 Date: November 28, 2024 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM et Let's come together to gain knowledge, foster understanding, and strengthen our commitment to building a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. #InclusionMatters #ViolencePrevention #TransRights #HIVAIDS #Webinar #CommunityEngagement 🌟#VAMB24