Living Out Loud with Darian

If you're a man of color who has sex with other men and are not aware of the current HIV statistics for this particular group then you've probably been living in a cave for the past few years.

According to a recent study conducted at The International Aids Conference in Toronto last week things are not starting to look any better.

The numbers are more dire for gay men of color: 4% of them between the ages of 15 and 22 are currently infected, while 15% between the ages of 23 and 29 are infected. At an average annual rate of increase in new infections of 4%, three quarters of black gay men in the latter age category will be infected with HIV at age 50. (Source: Advocate.com)

Where is the outrage? Where are the ministers and community leaders? Now is the time for us to come together as a community and committ ourselves to eradicating this virus that is claiming the lives of so many people.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you're not infected with HIV then you're affected by it. Why do we wait until a disease hits home before we rally up the troops for combat?

HIV is definitely not the death sentence it once was, but it's entirely preventable. Positive people are living longer and healthier lives thanks to the current medications that are available. But if you don't have to include combination therapy in your lifestyle, wouldn't you want to do everything not to make that a reality?

It's time out for the excuses, "I just don't wanna know", what you don't know might actually kill you.

Brothers get tested and encourage your friends to do the same. Education is crucial to prevention. Don't allow the fear of not knowing and the stigma attached to HIV to cut your life short. Be smart.

For more info on HIV/AIDS click here .