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.

MSM

In MSM, PrEP Stops HIV, Not Other STIs. Does It Matter? 

Not so long ago, preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) came down to the same basic safer sex choice: avoid risky sexual behavior or use condoms. But in recent years, much has changed. Improved antiretroviral therapy has turned treatment into prevention, because many people living with HIV have undetectable viral loads and cannot spread the virus. Meanwhile, increased testing rates have led some people to make decisions about partners and practices based on real (or assumed) test results.

Miscellaneous

Complicated Politics of Medicaid Expansion Are Playing Out State by State 

WASHINGTON - In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf, a newly elected Democrat, is scrapping his Republican predecessor's conservative approach to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Wolf said this week that he would instead pursue a straightforward expansion of the government health insurance program for the poor, no longer charging premiums or limiting benefits for some enrollees.

The GOP's ObamaCare Backup - Ready if Supremes Gut Law 

For five years, President Obama has ridiculed Republicans for not having "a meaningful alternative" to ObamaCare. The tables are turning.

Health Law Case Poses Conundrum for Republicans 

WASHINGTON - On the one hand, Republicans in Congress are urging the Supreme Court to strike down subsidies for health insurance provided to millions of people in more than 30 states. On the other, they are chiding the Obama administration because it has no plan to avert the hardship that could occur if they win in court.

John Legend Backs Out of Performance Over Venue's Anti-LGBT Stance 

The magazine LA Confidential had planned to honour R&B musician John Legend at a pre-Grammys party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday night, but it will have to do so without him present. The Oscar- and Grammy-nominated singer and pianist has cancelled his appearance at the annual awards-season party in protest at the misogyny and homophobia of the venue's owner.

Same-Sex Marriage Begins in Parts of Alabama, Thwarted in Others

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb 9 (Reuters) - Same-sex couples began marrying in parts of Alabama on Monday, making it the 37th state where gay marriage is legal, but judges in numerous counties avoided granting marriage licenses to gay couples in apparent defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Special amfAR Report: Do #Black(GAY)LivesMatter? 

What factors contribute to the high rates of HIV among black gay and bisexual men? That's the subject of an issue brief titled HIV and the Black Community: Do #Black(Gay)LivesMatter?

There's a Smartphone Attachment That Will Test for HIV in 15 Minutes 

The device has the potential to save millions of lives.

The Top 5 LGBT Issues for 2015 

This year promises to be an important one for LGBT communities. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is poised to strike down same-sex marriage bans in the South, one of the last bastions of such legislation in the country. And a wave of change has swept through American pop culture. Lee Daniels' black evening soap opera, "Empire," focuses on the backstory and current struggles of Jamal Lyon (Jussie Smollett), the gay son of music executive Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard). At the 2015 Golden Globe Awards, the Amazon scripted series "Transparent" took home the prize for best television comedy. And just last year, a picture of actress Laverne Cox famously appeared on the cover of Time above the bold declaration that the United States has reached a "transgender tipping point."

Why The AIDS Epidemic Matters To Black Lives 

About a year ago I attended a gathering of activists who focus on issues for Black men related to mass incarceration, the war on drugs, police brutality, and stop-and-frisk issues, shape notions of masculinity for Black men and boys. I was asked on the last day to jump in and talk specifically about how homophobic violence and notions of masculinity impact Black men, particularly gay and bisexual men, and the alarming rates of HIV infection. After I discussed these issues, one attendee, a young straight Black man seemed annoyed that I was bringing HIV into the discussion, and offered, "We already know HIV is genocide against the Black community, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was man made."