Promise: Twenty Three Years of HIV Education, Prevention and Testing in the New York City House and Ball Community

HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on New York City, particularly within communities of color and men who have sex with men (MSM). The House and Ball Community, comprised mostly of MSM of color, with its own codified language and culture, has proven to be extremely vulnerable to infection and extremely difficult to perform outreach. This has created a dire need to re-tailor prevention messages and interventions.

We will discuss our 23-year long involvement in the NYC House and Ball Community and how we have addressed the community's needs by establishing a House within the community; the successful implementation of the DEBI Community Promise over a five-year period; and organizing an annual Ball that includes HIV prevention messaging, HIV testing, and a health fair linking individuals to care.

Over the course of two decades, we have been able to provide critical HIV prevention education, HIV testing, and improve linkage to care, while simultaneously receiving community buy-in despite shifting community norms regarding HIV/AIDS stigma. We have collaborated with over 25 Houses in addition to more than 10 newer generation “Kiki” houses that mostly comprise at-risk youth. Our work in the community also inspired a social marketing campaign targeting YMSM of color that has received international acclaim and has been adapted numerous times.

Through a multi-faceted approach, agencies gain access to elusive populations. Strategies include garnering the input of community members through focus groups, qualitative and quantitative research, and the use of culturally appropriate visual and written language.