On the Battlefield: The Black Church, Public Health, and the Fight against HIV among African American Gay and Bisexual Men.

Abstract

HIV affects African American gay and bisexual men (AAGBM) more disproportionately than any other group in the USA. The Black Church, which has been a historic mainstay for African American empowerment and well-being, has the potential to be a public health partner for HIV prevention with AAGBM. Public health partnerships with the Black Church can strengthen HIV prevention efforts with AAGBM by [1] adapting church-based prevention strategies developed for other African American subgroups [2], providing prevention and referral services [3], considering how scripture supports prevention efforts, and [4] emphasizing the tenets of liberation theology. Public health should consider how thoughtful engagement, research, and interventions can support these approaches. Developing partnerships with the Black Church and African American clergy can promote effective HIV prevention efforts for AAGBM.