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This qualitative study takes place in an urban community that has high rates of HIV among Black youth. Six faith leaders were interviewed (five identified as Christian and one identified as Muslim). Three major themes arose from the interviews, including (1) the role of sex and HIV; (2) hindrances to sexual health conversations with youth; and (3) considering religious principles to prevent HIV in Black youth. Findings from this study can be used to inform an HIV-prevention curriculum for Black youth who identify strongly with their religion and spirituality and live in high HIV-risk communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black women in the United States continue to be disproportionately affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. HIV/AIDS activism among Black women for Black women may be one solution to reduce the disparate rates of HIV/AIDS among Black women. However, little is known about what processes and experiences prompt Black women to participate in HIV/AIDS activism. In this paper, I aim to identify mechanisms of empowerment for Black women to engage in HIV/AIDS activism. I draw upon empowerment theory as a theoretical framework to guide analysis of the literature and to offer a strengths‐based perspective on Black women's efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. An extensive literature search was conducted to identify studies of Black women's participation in HIV/AIDS activism. The search yielded 11 studies that were included for review. Synthesis of the literature indicated the following analytic themes as mechanisms of empowerment for Black women to participate in HIV/AIDS activism: relationships and interactions with others, critical awareness, self‐reflection, and spirituality. Article limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for social change are also discussed. Overall, findings from this study suggest that there are unique mechanisms that facilitate psychological empowerment and prompt Black women's entry into HIV/AIDS activism. Highlights: A comprehensive review of 11 articles on Black women's participation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) activism. Explores how Black women become psychologically empowered to become HIV/AIDS activists. Many mechanisms of empowerment for Black women engaged in HIV/AIDS activism are communal. Emphasizes psychological empowerment as not only an intrapsychic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black women in the United States continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. HIV testing is an important preventative step in the HIV continuum of care, however there is little known about HIV testing among these groups. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the HIV testing behaviors of Black transgender women and explore differences in predictors of HIV testing among Black cisgender and transgender women. This study uses secondary data from the 2014-2017 modules of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Analyses included multiple hierarchical regression. There are no major differences in HIV testing between Black cisgender and transgender women. A number of sociodemographic characteristics have been shown to predict HIV testing among Black cisgender women, but only employment status and age were significant predictors of HIV testing among Black transgender women. A moderation analysis suggested that gender identity significantly moderates the association between employment status and HIV testing such that the relationship between employment status and receiving an HIV test differs by gender identity. The findings of this study highlight nuances in HIV testing among Black cisgender and transgender women that are useful for improving HIV testing as a mode of HIV prevention. Overall, the findings contribute to our understanding of HIV testing practices among Black cisgender and transgender women., Competing Interests: Author Note This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Michigan State University (MSU STUDY ID: STUDY00003157). I would like to thank my committee members Drs. Kaston Anderson-Carpenter, William Chopik, Ignacio Acevedo Polakovich, and Jae Puckett for their support and guidance on this project. I have no conflicts of interest to declare.