The “Pleasure Responsibly” initiative was created to address the disparities in sexual health, particularly the higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among communities disproportionately affected by these health challenges. This campaign is focused on closing this gap by promoting awareness, education, and the importance of pleasure in sexual well-being. By targeting these communities, the initiative seeks to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their health while embracing their sexuality.
Data show that communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of new STI diagnoses in the United States. For example, Black individuals represented 40% of new HIV cases in 2022, while Hispanic/Latino individuals accounted for 29% of new cases, despite comprising smaller proportions of the overall population.1,2 Recognizing this, the “Pleasure Responsibly” campaign aims to address these disparities and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the information and tools necessary for a healthy and pleasurable sex life.
While you’re here, check out our very own project manager Nicolas Polanco’s article as he shares with us his role in the Pleasure Responsibly initiative and its impact on him as a gay man of color.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV and Race/Ethnicity. Data and statistics on the disproportionate impact of HIV among different racial and ethnic groups. (n.d.). CDC HIV and Race/Ethnicity. Accessed December 6, 2024. ↩︎
- HIV.gov. Statistics on HIV and AIDS in the United States. Overview of data and trends related to HIV in the U.S., including recent statistics. (n.d.). HIV.gov – Statistics on HIV and AIDS. Accessed December 6, 2024. ↩︎