I found myself struggling with what to even talk about for this World AIDS Day. It's not that I don't think the disease is relevant (nor the holiday which helps bring awareness to it), it's just that after looking through past entries, I've kind of said my peace about it. And honestly, as a Black gay man, I feel like talking about AIDS prevention, condoms, and safe sex practices is an ongoing thing not just reserved for one day.

Hell, I skipped it completely last year.

But one thing that's different this year from other World AIDS Day is that this year, we have a new President (Obama, natch) who plans to develop and implement a comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies during his term. And seeing as the theme of this year's World AIDS Day is leadership, the appointing of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land rings especially keen for this year.

Perhaps also important for this year is the role social media can play in helping to bring awareness to this disease. Finding your nearest testing clinic is as easy as sending a text message (just text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948)) and getting tested can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home (blood and urine tests approved by the World Health Organization are available online at http://www.idiagnosticsco.com for less than $15. Knowing your status now is easy, cheap, and quick.

Last year, people were empowered to take the lead in the fight against AIDS. Now it's time to deliver.

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

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Once again, the blogger community is joining together to raise awareness about the world wide AIDS epidemic. Please click here to view a list that will be updated throughout the day of individuals raising their united voices.

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Check out past World AIDS Day entries on BlackGayBlogger.com.

World AIDS Day 2005
World AIDS Day 2005: I Wear The Ribbon

World AIDS Day 2004
Link and Think. And Re-Think.
Link and Think. Think This Will Happen?
Link and Think. And Think Of A Better Excuse, Chump.

World AIDS Day 2003
Link and Think. But think first.
Link and Think. And Think Again.
Link and Think. The Links Edition.