Monkeypox (MPV) Is Still Disproportionately Affecting Black Queer Men

The monkeypox virus, or MPV, is still affecting queer Black men disproportionately as compared to how it affects any other community.

There are several reasons for this happening, the first of which is the racial aspect. Not only do people of color get less healthcare, the MPVs other moniker is steeped in deep racist and classist implications. Monkey has been used as a racist name for black people for a very long time, and the virus’ origin is often stated to be Africa. This reinforces rotten stereotypes about both Africa and African-Americans. There is a vast push to rename the virus to something less marginalizing and racist, but progress has been slow-going, and the name is unlikely to officially change for some time.

Another reason is that MPV spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact; therefore it affects men who have sex with men the most. The difference again lies in race, due to white queer men being able to afford to get the vaccine more than black queer men. This disparity could be prevented if America’s healthcare system had learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, yet clearly hasn’t. There is still a massive gap between the care that is provided to white people and the care that is provided to black people.

The final reason is due to a lack of provision, trust, and information in every community. Black people’s relationship with America’s healthcare system is one steeped in deep mistrust due to vast accounts of mistreatment by hospitals, doctors, and even special care providers, so they are less likely to get the vaccine. The MPV vaccine is also not available in some communities, similarly to information. Not everyone has internet, access to a local library, or a news source that provides them with up-to-date information on the vaccine.

In short, America’s healthcare system needs to do better for the queer, Black community.