Shining a Light on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Repeat after me: I am an Upspoken woman — I put myself and my health first. I am most empowered when I show myself some love. 💜

Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and as a strong Black woman, we want you to know the #facts.

Black women are disproportionately affected by STIs, including HIV. Fact.

In 2016, 4,560 African American women received an HIV diagnosis, compared to 1,450 white women and 1,168 Hispanic/Latina women (Source).

Black women are 13% of the population in the U.S. but represent 64% of all new HIV infections every year (Source).

The CDC estimates that, at some point in their lifetimes, one in 30 African American women will be diagnosed with HIV (Source).

You are not alone. Fact.

Upspoken wants to make sure you have the support, resources and knowledge to stay healthy. Check out some of our tips below:

✔️Get tested for HIV, and get tested often. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested at least once every six months.

✔️Talk to you partner about sexual health — don’t be scared to ask questions. Their HIV status is well within your rights.

✔️Consider PrEP. PrEP is a daily medication available to all and reduces one’s risk of getting HIV through sex by 90%. Here is a PrEP locator and talk to a trusted physician to figure out if PrEP is right for you!

✔️Learn about PEP. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available after potential exposure to HIV to prevent from becoming infected. Here is everything you need to know about PEP, from what it is to where to get it!

✔️Use Condoms. Remember sis – no glove, no love. Start owning your sexual health with Upspoken’s Guide to Condoms You Never Knew You Needed here.

✔️Talk to your doctor. It is important to advocate for yourself. Ask your doctor to test you for HIV, and if they won’t, click here to find a location to get tested near you.

✔️Read, listen, watch! Staying informed is crucial. In fact, Upspoken rep Latia Curry just sat down with the ladies of Afterglow, check out their eye-opening and lively conversation here!

Let’s break the stigma and get real about our sexual health. Share this article with your squad and make a plan to get tested together.

This piece was edited on 3/12/19 10:00AM PST.