Senator Hoylman Honors 30 Years of AIDS Activism

NEW YORK- Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan), the only openly LGBTQ member of the New York State Senate, released the following statement in honor of the 30th annual World AIDS Day:

Senator Hoylman said: “On the 30th annual World AIDS Day, I’m humbled to take the opportunity to reflect on the 100,000 New Yorkers who have died from AIDS-related causes and stand in solidarity with those who continue to fight for housing, healthcare, and a cure. The good news is that new HIV diagnoses have reached a historic low across our city and state for the third consecutive year, thanks to the path-breaking efforts of health professionals and activists who’ve worked to expand access to treatments and preventative care.

Still, we must acknowledge the inequities that prevent all New Yorkers from receiving the compassionate care they so deserve. Here in New York City, 77% of new HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths were among African Americans and Latinos. The death rate among homeless people living with HIV/AIDS is five times the death rate for housed people living with HIV/AIDS.

We’ve made tremendous progress over the course of thirty years, but our work is far from over. I will work to expand funding in Albany until the very day we end the scourge of HIV/AIDS once and for all.”