HIV and Pride: Why the Fight Still Matters

The city of San Diego once hosted a big Pride parade that brought people together. A local leader spoke about the power of unity among LGBTQ folks. That message resonated with someone who has lived with HIV for 25 years and has worked in the field for three decades. In 2006, a group of activists founded an organization called Mpact Global to address the lack of funding for HIV programs that serve gay and bisexual men. Even in places where these men make up most of the new HIV cases, support and resources remain scarce. Mpact Global has since worked with governments, health agencies and donors to push for more money and attention. Despite progress in some areas, many countries still treat HIV as a public health emergency but do not allocate enough funds. Gay, bisexual and queer men keep facing higher rates of infection, limited access to prevention tools, and more deaths. This trend shows a lack of interest that may stem from long‑standing prejudice or fatigue among decision makers. Around 60 countries criminalize LGBTQ people, and new laws appear each year. In the United States alone, over five hundred anti‑gay laws have been recorded this year.

These restrictions encourage violence and cut off essential services like housing, jobs and health care. People often have to leave their homes in search of safety, but few places welcome LGBTQ migrants. When governments ignore the needs of this community, collective action becomes vital. LGBTQ people keep finding each other and creating safe spaces despite hostile laws. Mpact Global has built support networks, secured funding, and pushed for policy changes that benefit all LGBTQ individuals. Twenty years after its founding, Mpact Global remains essential. Gay, bisexual and queer men are still overlooked in HIV care and broader health discussions. Health is a human right, and everyone deserves access to vaccines, mental‑health support, prevention tools and safe living conditions. The organization will continue its advocacy for these rights. The San Diego community and the global LGBTQ population can unite to counter anti‑gay attacks. HIV is not finished, and LGBTQ people are still present and resilient. Mpact Global invites others to join the fight for equality, health and dignity.

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