NMAC applauds today’s passage of the Equality Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. Protection from discrimination for LGBTQ Americans is a vital component in the success of the federal government’s plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
“We cannot successfully fight HIV/AIDS without ending discrimination against the LGBTQ community,” said Paul Kawata, Executive Director for NMAC. “Overt or perceived discrimination is a major reason why many LGBTQ Americans do not seek out needed health care, including HIV testing, care, or prevention education. It also deeply affects such basic things as keeping HIV medications in their homes or accessing health care benefits through their employer. By ensuring their protection under the law in every state and territory, the Equality Act will have a tremendous impact on our efforts to end HIV by 2030.”
NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced our mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website: www.nmac.org. NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.