by David Wallace
(© 2001. No portion of this essay, text or image, may be reproduced without author's consent.)

Abstract:

The white gay community in San Francisco is well-known for its success in combating HIV/AIDS. The response in the San Francisco black community, however, has been slow and individualistic, even though there is a high incidence of HIV/AIDS in the black population. Among the reasons for this slow response are culturally inappropriate educational outreach programs and a lingering stigma about AIDS and homosexuality. This essay argues that, ultimately, the problem is that there are only black neighborhoods in San Francisco, but no real black community. Fortunately, agencies like the San Francisco Black Coalition on AIDS are providing vital social services, developing culturally appropriate marketing messages, and helping to build a true black community.