On this National LatinX AIDS Awareness Day (15 October), we are drawing attention to the profound health disparities faced by LatinX people living with or at risk of HIV in the United States.
In 2022, LatinX people accounted for 33% of new HIV cases in the U.S., despite representing only 18% of the population. Additionally, Latino gay and bisexual men represented the highest number of new HIV cases in the country. Behind these stark statistics are real people—families, loved ones, and entire communities navigating the barriers that make health equity difficult to achieve.
Today, we share the stories of Carmelo and Will, two men whose lives have been shaped by both HIV and the support of the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, a grantee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The Unique Challenges Faced by LatinX communities
For LatinX individuals, the road to HIV care is often blocked by complex hurdles—language barriers, lack of healthcare access, and the stigma surrounding HIV itself. These barriers contribute to despairingly negative health experiences and outcomes for LatinX individuals.
Cultural and economic challenges also deepen the divide, as poverty and limited access to health services prevent many people from getting the information, testing and treatment that they need.
Carmelo’s Story: Refocusing on Life
Originally from Puerto Rico, 63-year-old Carmelo has been living with HIV for over 20 years. San Antonio AIDS Foundation helped Carmelo to refocus his life and while accessing services, they helped him with housing at their transitional home.
“There’s a lot of help out there but for me, there’s a lack of knowledge and it’s overwhelming for me to navigate the system by myself. The staff at SAAF are fantastic. They help us with our HIV medication and positive mental health practices, they help us with doctors’ appointments and referrals, and they help us navigate the system,” Carmelo shared. “I’m the oldest one in the transition house. The gap is almost 30 years between me and the other guys but we learn from each other. They teach me about today’s culture and I taught Will how to make an espresso.”
Will’s Story: Finding Safety
32-year-old Will has been living with HIV for 15 years. Born and raised Mexico, Will moved to San Antonio in middle school. The stigma around HIV initially prevented Will from sharing his HIV status with his mother. “I needed to deal with my diagnosis by myself before coming out to her because it comes with a lot of questions,” said Will.
Living in an abusive relationship, Will found the strength to reach out to San Antonio AIDS Foundation for help. “It was a hard step to take. I had been referred to SAAF previously, but I had to do it in such a way that my partner wouldn’t find out,” Will shares.
San Antonio AIDS Foundation gave Will the resources and safety to start over: “SAAF is a place I knew I was safe. The staff are great – they don’t treat us like criminals. They always know what we need and it’s because many of them used to be clients here. That gives me a lot of hope because I want to follow a similar path.”
Today, Will is looking ahead and wants to give back to his community. “I want to help people in the future, even if that’s just sharing how I got here.”
The need for a human-CENTERED approach to HIV care for LatinX communities in the United States
Carmelo and Will’s stories are powerful reminders that the HIV epidemic isn’t just about statistics—it’s about human lives. It’s about breaking the barriers that prevent those most marginalized from getting the care they deserve and creating safe spaces where they can live without stigma, fear, or shame.
We are proud to partner with organizations like San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) to expand their services in HIV outreach, testing, prevention, and syringe exchange in Bexar County, Texas. With Bexar County being home to over 1.19 million Latino and Hispanic people (United States 2020 Decennial Status), organizations like San Antonio AIDS Foundation can be a lifeline for LatinX people living with or at risk of HIV.
Learn more about San Antonio AIDS Foundation.
Donate to support more work like this around the world
Your generosity helps us in our effort to end the stigma and health inequity that prevent us from ending AIDS. At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are working with organizations across the world to create a brighter and more equitable future for everyone, everywhere.
