Your voice is a powerful tool for change, and this is your chance to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the South.
What is Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (SHAAD) was founded by Southern AIDS Coalition in 2019 to bring national attention to the urgency of addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on the region. Celebrated annually on August 20th, SHAAD is more than just a date on the calendar, it is a powerful reminder of the need for an unwavering commitment to southern communities. This is a day where every voice is valued!
Organizations, advocates, and communities are encouraged to join this day in raising awareness and advocating for new and necessary resources and solutions to turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in the South.
End Injustice to End the HIV Epidemic
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We evoke Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words in a call to end the HIV epidemic in the South. In recent months we’ve seen numerous political attacks on marginalized communities in the South. These communities tend to be the ones most impacted by HIV, and a range of health inequities. The HIV epidemic is more than HIV; it’s racial justice, LGBTQIA+ justice, housing justice, healthcare justice, and socioeconomic justice. Today is a day to demand an end to injustice in the South to end the southern HIV epidemic.
Ending HIV Criminalization
SHAAD is a day to demand an end to the criminalization of HIV, which is rooted in stigma, misinformation, and discrimination. Many southern states continue to have outdated and misguided laws that wrongfully criminalize community members living with HIV. HIV-specific laws, sentence enhancements, and other methods of further perpetuating stigma must be stopped. Promoting accurate information and educating our neighbors is critical to build a groundswell of support to ending these laws.
Racial Justice
SHAAD is a day to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS along racial lines in the South. While Black southerners comprise less than a quarter of the region’s population, Black southerners comprise about half of new HIV diagnoses 1 . These disparities are also evident in HIV prevention–with Black southerners making up only 21% of PrEP users in the region in 2022 2 . These disparities also exist for Hispanic/Latinx southerners, where barriers related to language, immigration status, and more make accessing prevention and care services nearly impossible for many. In 2020, the rate of late HIV diagnosis was greatest for Hispanic/Latinx persons, and they represented the smallest proportion of PrEP utilization in the region.
LGBTQ Justice
SHAAD is a day to demand an end to discriminatory policies and practices that harm LGBTQIA+ southerners! The LGBTQIA+ community has been at the forefront of the fight to end the HIV epidemic since the beginning. Despite that, even today, many face discrimination and stigma from individuals, systems, institutions, and barriers to effective healthcare and services.Harmful legislation has been on the rise–and SHAAD is a day to bring awareness to how efforts to marginalize the LGBTQIA+ community further perpetuate stigma.
Raise awareness, erase the stigma and discrimination by making your voice heard!
Your voice is a powerful tool for change, and this is your chance to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Southern United States.
Together, we can make a difference!
By joining the chorus of voices advocating for Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, you’re contributing to a brighter future for the South.
Join us in raising your voice, sparking conversations, and standing up for those who need it most. Together, we can combat the stigma, address disparities, and create a South that is informed, empowered, and united against HIV/AIDS.
Amplify your voice with these tools.
Events Across The South:
Social Media Advocacy
By joining the chorus of voices advocating for Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, you’re contributing to a brighter future for the South.
Educate and Inform
Host virtual workshops, webinars, or panel discussions to educate your community about prevention, treatment, and the importance of testing.
Contact Your Representatives
Reach out to local and state representatives to emphasize the need for increased funding and support for HIV/AIDS programs in the South.
Attend Events
Participate in local events, marches, and rallies dedicated to Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Do you have an event to share?
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