By Bunmi Yekini
The Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP) has announced the publication of a crucial legal primer aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the growing population of older Americans living with HIV. Authored by CHLP Staff Attorney Kae Greenberg, the resource outlines the legal and social barriers confronting People Living and Aging with HIV (PLAHIV), and offers tools for navigating these challenges.
“By the year 2030, 70% of people living with HIV will be over the age of 50, yet our social services and healthcare infrastructure are not equipped to meet their needs,” said Greenberg. “Just as there are numerous forms of discrimination and administrative roadblocks, there are also accessible tools that PLAHIV can use to prepare for their future.”
The primer covers key legal issues such as discrimination protections under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the criminalization of people living with HIV, and strategies for protecting their decision-making autonomy. It also highlights how stigma, compounded by factors like racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ageism, continues to impact access to care and resources.
Davina Conner, a prominent HIV advocate and CHLP Aging Consultant, emphasized the importance of this work. “As a Black woman living and aging with HIV, I’m eager to share this work that addresses the stigma and barriers associated with incarceration, homelessness, and aging with HIV,” she said. “By centering our lived experiences, we can help individuals navigate these complex realities and empower them to live with dignity and hope.”
This primer is the first of its kind to address the intersection of aging, HIV, and involvement with the criminal justice system, offering a critical guide for both individuals and advocates alike.