Workshops

Say it loud! I’m Black, Gay and Proud!: Best Practices for Engaging MSM in HIV Clinical Research at Black Gay Prides

Paris Mullen, Community Engagement Officer, The Legacy Project

Black Gay Pride celebrations are noted for bringing together Black LGBTQ and same-gender loving (SGL) individuals to celebrate their culture, heritage, and community. Information about HIV prevention and treatment is generally disseminated by community-based organizations at these events.

Although information about CDC-funded HIV prevention services is often offered, a broader message about HIV prevention and clinical research are still needed here. Fulfilling this need aligns with goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which emphasizes increasing the impact of HIV prevention efforts for Black and Latino MSM.

This dynamic workshop addresses the importance of engaging communities of color in HIV clinical trials and provides guidance on how to conduct outreach efforts at both General and Black Pride events. It details the Legacy Project’s best practices from activities conducted during Black Pride events in cities across the U.S. and lessons learned at increasing awareness, recruitment, and enrollment of Black and Latino MSM into HIV prevention studies. Successes and challenges from specific cities will be highlighted and participants will learn novel outreach and recruitment strategies and best practices for engaging communities at Black Pride events.

Workshop attendees will acquire a broader understanding of how Black Gay Pride and similar events are viable vehicles for educating these disproportionately impacted communities. They will also have an opportunity to discuss their successes, challenges, and questions about engagement ultimately learning effective networking strategies to establish long term, sustainable partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders.