Jordan J. Edwards, Deputy Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, has shared his powerful journey on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In an article for LGBTQ Nation, Edwards reflects on his personal experience with HIV, calling for a shift from mere statistics to storytelling. He says, “HIV has never been just a statistic for me… Yes, we can acknowledge that Black gay and bisexual men are the most affected by HIV. But ending HIV isn’t just about spreading awareness for one day.”
He recalls how the epidemic shaped his life from an early age. Diagnosed in 2013, Edwards turned his journey into advocacy, earning recognition from Houston’s African-American State of Emergency Task Force and attending The White House Rising Leaders Summit. He urges communities to fight stigma, systemic racism, and healthcare inequalities. He calls for ongoing action, equity in healthcare, and open conversations. Edwards champions a future where stories—not statistics—define the fight against HIV.
