AOC recognizes Evolving Face of AIDS

By Sylvia Powers
Senior Correspondent

As communities across the nation prepare to observe World AIDS Day, it’s a sobering reminder that it has been 43 years since the first AIDS diagnosis in the United States.

In the decades since, significant strides have been made in understanding HIV and AIDS, yet the face of the disease and those most affected continues to evolve. Initially, AIDS was labeled a “gay men’s disease” due to early cases being primarily among gay men, even referred to as “GRID” (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency) before the broader understanding of HIV/AIDS. Today, however, African American women represent the highest number of new cases among people diagnosed with the virus.

“African American women often carry an immense burden, putting on a strong front and pushing through life’s challenges, sometimes ignoring symptoms like sniffles, headaches, or stomach cramps,” explained Kelly Allen Gray, Executive Director of the AIDS Outreach Center (AOC) in Fort Worth, Texas. “We tend to keep moving, sometimes to the detriment of our health.” Gray’s organization has been a cornerstone of support in North Texas since 1986, providing a range of services from healthcare and mental health support to education and advocacy, as it seeks to address the unique challenges faced by those living with HIV/AIDS.

While the perception of HIV/AIDS has evolved over the years, Gray points out that stigma persists.

“There was a time when people wouldn’t even want to use the restroom after someone with AIDS. People feared they could contract the virus, which we now know is false. But in many ways, the stigma remains, especially within the African American community,” she said.

The fear and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS can prevent individuals from seeking testing, treatment, and support, a challenge AOC confronts head-on through its education and advocacy initiatives.

The center is deeply committed to breaking down these stigmas and fostering a supportive environment for everyone affected by HIV/AIDS. Statistics from HIV.gov reveal that African American women accounted for 47% of new HIV infections among women in 2022. The infection rate for African American women (15.1) was almost eight times higher than that of White women and over three times higher than that of Hispanic/Latino women.

“HIV doesn’t discriminate,” said Gray. “It doesn’t care if you’re male, female, single, married, or widowed. Everyone should know their status.”

The AOC’s mission is clear: to provide hope and improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS through direct services, prevention, and community outreach. The organization envisions a future free from new infections, stigma, and discrimination, where individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS can live empowered, fulfilling lives. To achieve this, AOC works to meet both the health and social needs of its clients while also addressing prevention through widespread education and outreach.

Gray highlights a particular challenge: “Many African American women believe they are in monogamous relationships but may not know their partners are also engaging in relationships with other men. When a partner is infected, the likelihood of transmission to these women is high.”

This underscores AOC’s work beyond its walls, including mobile testing, educational programs, and collaborations with local healthcare providers, schools, churches, and other nonprofits to make resources more accessible to at-risk groups.

In honor of World AIDS Day on December 1st, AOC is hosting its first Red Ribbon Benefit Concert—a new initiative to honor those lost to the disease and support those living with HIV.

“This is our first year hosting a concert for World AIDS Day,” said Gray. “Since December 1st falls on a Sunday, we’ll host the event the following weekend. The Red Ribbon Benefit Concert will not only support our mission to provide services to at-risk individuals but also serve as a tribute to those we’ve lost.”

The concert theme, Western Chic, will create a unique experience on December 7th at The Shack at Panther Island, located on the Trinity River just outside downtown Fort Worth. This special evening promises to be a meaningful blend of remembrance, celebration, and community support.

For more information on how to support or get involved with the AIDS Outreach Center, visit their website at www.aoc.org.