Alabama, The United States of America
Alabama a largely rural state is in poor shape — literally. It has a population of 5 million people 68.4% of them are white and 26.5% of them are black. The state is ranked 46th for income and has a poverty rate of 17% (sixth highest in the US). Alabama has a huge health problem which is race related. All STDs are highest among blacks and Hispanics. According to the latest figures from early 2024 62% of the HIV infected population is black and 28% is white.
In 2020 there were an estimated 17522 HIV infections. 14771 of them were diagnosed with HIV. 11016 of them (75%) receive care. 9006 people of the diagnosed HIV population were living with a suppressed undetectable virus. (61%) Quite a shockingly low percentage when you compare these figures with several hard-hit African countries like for example Zambia.
The first three months of 2024 saw 62 new HIV infections 47 male and 15 female.
Stigma against LGBTQ persons generally is high. Many of these individuals do not identify themselves as gay or bisexual. Young black males in the 15 to 29 age group have been identified as a high-risk group. Black females are approximately 9 times more likely to become infected with HIV than white females.
(Source: alabamapublichealth.gov/ HIV)
DE ANTHONY AND JASON
Alabama, USA
Gay men deep down south
We meet the guys on a beautiful and sunny day. Their story shows the complexity of being gay and hiv-positive in Alabama. But their story shows as well their courage and their strength. Being tough in Alabama is not so much making your point on the barricades, but having the guts to choose to be themselves.
That’s why these guys are so impressive.
De Anthony and Jason have been together for years. A sweet and close couple, who luckily can take refuge with each other or cheer each other up when necessary. That this is sometimes needed seems an understatement, being gay, African American and HIV positive, life in Alabama is not always kind to you. De Anthony and Jason are determined to make something of their lives. During the day, they work as supervisors in a residential complex, and in the evenings Jason is a professional transvestite in nightly shows.
No Shame
Photo’s by Vincent van den Hoogen