The Unspoken Plight of HIV Gripping Asian/Pacific Islander Communities in America

Abstract

The HIV pandemic has made a significant impact on various communities and demographics in the US. Although special attention has been given to African, Latin, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white American communities, Asian American and Pacific Islander (A/PI) communities are often overlooked in HIV prevention efforts. Regardless of how statistically reassuring HIV diagnoses by ethnicity may seem, HIV poses a threat to the A/PI community. The “model minority” stereotype, lack of cultural and linguistic accommodations in HIV education, and cultural barriers may account for the lack of HIV testing and prevention in A/PI communities. The “model minority” stereotype projected onto A/PI individuals and their health gives a false sense of security in their current health status. Lack of education leads to misconceptions around HIV spread and transmission within A/PI communities. Cultural barriers continue to impact disclosure of HIV status among A/PI individuals and has a role in limiting HIV prevention efforts in these communities. Personal accounts and studies on HIV-positive Asian Americans show the lasting impact the “model minority” label, gap in HIV education, and cultural barriers have on combating HIV in A/PI communities. HIV needs to be addressed in A/PI communities and public health measures, HIV education, and A/PI HIV support groups may encourage greater HIV awareness, testing, and prevention in A/PI communities.