Observed annually on September 27th, National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is designed to raise awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on gay and bisexual men in the U.S. Gay men are disproportionately affected by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with more than 648,600 gay and bisexual men living with HIV in the U.S.

Although gay and bisexual men only account for about 2% of the U.S. population, they represent 66% of all new diagnoses. Looking at these figures, it’s clear why it’s urgent for every American to observe this day and help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.

The History of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

This holiday was created and initiated in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS to acknowledge how HIV and AIDS disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men and to encourage more action to reduce their rates.

AIDS/HIV Among Gay & Bisexual Men

Below are some facts we’ve gathered from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Let’s examine them before discussing how this holiday can be observed. The following facts use data from 2016 – the latest available; be sure to visit the CDC’s website for updated information.

• 648,600 cases of HIV infection have resulted from male-to-male sexual contact.
• 298,700 cases of HIV infection have resulted from heterosexual sexual contact.
• 58,600 cases of HIV infection have resulted from male-to-male sexual contact and injection drug use.

Observing National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Everyone can do more to observe this holiday, and there are several ways to participate, both directly and indirectly. The first thing everyone can do is educate themselves about the prevention and risk factors associated with HIV.

The next step is to help eliminate the stigma long associated with HIV and AIDS through education. Other ways to observe this day include getting tested for HIV, supporting AIDS and HIV research programs, or visiting AIDS.gov and/or the CDC’s website for more information.