Activist Urges Action to Dismantle HIV Stigma in Georgia's Black Communities

In a fervent call to action, Masonia Traylor, an Atlanta-based HIV educator and activist, is urging the community and public health officials to intensify efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV, particularly within Black communities in Georgia. Atlanta, which ranks third in the United States for new HIV infections—trailing only Miami and Memphis—has seen a disproportionate impact on Black Georgians, who account for the majority of these new cases. Traylor highlights a pervasive stigma that not only complicates discussions around HIV but also contributes to a significant knowledge gap regarding preventive measures such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Despite the proven efficacy of PrEP in reducing the risk of HIV transmission, Traylor notes that many Black women remain unaware of this potentially life-saving medication. “I can have a room with 30 women, and maybe one woman will know about PrEP,” she shared, emphasizing the urgent need for better sexual health marketing and education tailored to these communities. To increase accessibility, Traylor advocates for a multifaceted approach that includes educating healthcare providers about PrEP’s availability for all genders. She stresses that community-based organizations, OB-GYNs, and even Minute Clinics should provide PrEP and that it must be affordable or free for those who need it. “We have to educate more pharmacists,” she added, referencing her background as a pharmacy technician. Stigma remains a formidable barrier in openly discussing HIV in Black communities, according to Traylor. She points out that harmful narratives linking HIV to promiscuity or societal issues like the crack epidemic contribute to a culture where individuals feel vilified. “People weaponize and villainize HIV,” she said, noting the very real fears of discrimination that arise from disclosing one’s status. In a state where employment and housing protections are limited, many choose silence over vulnerability. Traylor’s insights reveal that the psychological burden of an HIV diagnosis extends beyond the physical implications of the virus. She argues that the emotional trauma accompanying such a diagnosis is profound and often unrecognized, advocating for its inclusion as a mental health concern in medical manuals. “An HIV diagnosis is a traumatizing event that doesn’t have a psychological diagnosis,” she remarked, calling for greater awareness and understanding in medical training for new healthcare providers. Furthermore, she warns that the lack of conversation surrounding HIV means that many are still engaging in risky behaviors, potentially exacerbating the crisis. “I know that women are engaging in condomless sex with men they know to be HIV positive,” Traylor stated, underscoring the critical need for education on preventive measures. Traylor's work extends beyond advocacy; she is also featured in the documentary "Unexpected," available on Hulu, which explores a network of women supporting each other through the challenges of living with HIV in the rural South. Through her activism and education efforts, she hopes to foster an environment where open discussions about HIV are normalized, ultimately leading to a reduction in new cases and a healthier, more informed community. As the conversation evolves, it is essential for individuals, healthcare providers, and the community at large to confront the stigma surrounding HIV openly. Only then can effective solutions be implemented to protect the vulnerable populations that continue to be disproportionately affected by this preventable disease.