Pride in the Pews announces new faith leaders fellowship to address the HIV epidemic in the South
Pride in the Pews, in collaboration with the Faith COMPASS Center at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, is thrilled to introduce the 2024-2025 Faith and HIV Advocacy Fellowship (FHF). This innovative leadership program is dedicated to empowering Black faith leaders to foster meaningful dialogue and action at the intersections of HIV and AIDS, the Black Church, and LGBTQ+ identity.
Recent research by the Pew Research Center and The Williams Institute highlights that 75% of Black Americans identify as Christian, with 12% identifying as LGBTQ+. Among these, over 1.2 million Black LGBTQ+ adults identify as religious. Despite the presence of these communities, none of the eight historically Black denominations have officially become LGBTQ+ affirming, contributing to the isolation and marginalization of Black queer individuals and faith leaders who operate at the crossroads of faith, health, gender, and sexuality.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Black Americans represent 42% of new HIV diagnoses, even though they make up only 13% of the
U.S. population. Black trans- and cisgender women, along with men who have sex with men, are disproportionately affected. The epidemic poses a severe threat, particularly in the Southern United States, which sees 51% of new HIV cases annually despite representing only 38% of the U.S. population.
The Black Church has long been a cornerstone of Black life, shaping and guiding the daily experiences of African Americans. As discussions around LGBTQ+ issues and HIV/AIDS become increasingly necessary, it is crucial that faith leaders engage with their congregations in settings they trust. These leaders require support, training, and a welcoming environment to explore these topics, deepen their understanding, and build community.
The Faith HIV and AIDS Advocacy Cohort is intended to equip Southern faith leaders to combat the HIV epidemic and to destigmatize communities impacted by HIV and AIDS. All Black congregations in the U.S. South are eligible to apply. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Application are due August 23rd
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Contact:
Don Abram
Pride in the Pews
7736295612
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.
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