Increasing young African American men who have sex with men (yAAMSM) participation in HIV prevention efforts

Topic: Increasing Young African American Men who have sex with Men (yAAMSM) participation in HIV prevention efforts. The Problem with Young AAMSM in the South In the Deep South, yAAMSM are faced with a number of factors such as discrimination and stigma that contribute to this excess risk. In hopes of increasing testing numbers and decreasing new HIV infections, organizations such as My Brother's Keeper, Inc create a safe space and environment to educate and empower yAAMSM to spark change in their community. Purpose: I have established a peer-based intervention that takes a risk-free norm to reduce HIV among my peers. This innovative intervention is structured to empower, educate, and create a safe space for the participants to be who they are. Its targeted population is yAAMSM ages 15+, but it is open to those willing to be empowered, educated, and to grow as an individual. This intervention takes social norms, norms like dancing, singing, and acting that are really prominent in the south and uses them as a self recruiting mechanism. This intervention meets twice a month and consists of born leaders who are respected, credible, and trustworthy within the community; spreading educational messages through song, dance, theatre and poetry promotes the organization, recruit for interventions, and for HIV testing Conclusion: In conclusion, yAAMSM in the Deep South need something new, innovative and a support mechanism that reduces new HIV infections among this high risk group. In addition, participants will feel and sense of empowerment and self-worth.