A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-section of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.

Prevention

Is a Pill Enough to Fight H.I.V.? 

New federal guidelines urge gay men and others who have unprotected sex to take a daily dose of the drug Truvada, a regimen called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to curb H.I.V. infections and AIDS.

Miscellaneous

Black Parents, Gay Sons and Redefining Masculinity 

Research confirms what we already know: The pathway to wholeness and self-acceptance for gay African-American youths begins with support from parents.

Fingers to Ashes: The Millennial Disconnect with HIV 

It is hard to imagine that it was only 34 years ago when the first case of HIV was first documented in the United States. Shortly after, the virus seemed to spread like wildfire, burning a path of hysteria, frustration and sadness across the U.S. and throughout the world. In a short period of time, and thanks to a series of political blunders from the Reagan administration and many other political figures across the nation, HIV went from hundreds to millions and became the closest we have ever come to a modern plague.

First Openly Gay Black Federal Judge Confirmed  

The U.S. Senate confirmed Darrin Gayles for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. 

I'm Black, I'm Trans, I'm HIV-Positive and I'm OK 

My Thing Is: The black community is often accused of being closed-minded, but my experience has been the opposite. Thanks to the overwhelming support of friends, family and mentors, I'm happily working on being the best me I can be.

Looking For a Cure: U.S. Tries to Save More AIDS Babies

The U.S. government is looking for newborns infected with the AIDS virus.

The National Institutes of Health says it will launch a trial, probably next week, in which newborns infected with the virus are treated with a strong, triple-whammy of HIV drugs to see if the babies can be cured.

Obama to Sign Order Extending LGBT Protections 

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of their sexual orientation, a White House official said Monday.

Threat Grows From Liver Illness Tied to Obesity 

Despite major gains in fighting hepatitis C and other chronic liver conditions, public health officials are now faced with a growing epidemic of liver disease that is tightly linked to the obesity crisis.

State Lawmakers Tackle Public Health Issues 

Four years into implementing the Affordable Care Act, state politicians turned their attention to other pressing health care issues such as preventing drug overdose deaths, limiting e-cigarettes and making medical marijuana more available.

Thousands to Be Questioned on Eligibility for Health Insurance Subsidies 

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is contacting hundreds of thousands of people with subsidized health insurance to resolve questions about their eligibility, as consumer advocates express concern that many will be required to repay some or all of the subsidies.

US Continues its Losing Streak in Health Care Quality Comparison 

Money can't buy everything - including great health care.

The U.S. spends the most of any country on its health care system, and yet it ranked the lowest out of 11 industrialized nations in overall healthcare quality, according to a report published Monday by the Commonwealth Fund.