Black Brothers Esteem

African American men who are gay, bisexual and same gender loving are at a disproportionately higher risk for HIV infection. Black Brothers Esteem, or BBE, works to change that. It’s a prevention and support program from San Francisco AIDS Foundation to empower men who predominantly live in the Tenderloin/Polk Gulch and Sixth Street Corridor neighborhoods of San Francisco. These men struggle not only with issues related to HIV, but also with racism, addiction, poverty, homophobia, violence and marginal housing.

Facilitated by our expert staff, Black Brothers Esteem designs activities and events to provide a place for African American men to gather and to gain support from each other. The goal: provide education, skills and enhanced social connections to reduce sexual risk-taking.

Programs and Services

• Phoenix Rising - A weekly drop-in group for HIV-positive and HIV-negative men to address the emotional impact of HIV. Phoenix Rising allows men of African descent to set their own agenda and provide peer support for the challenges they face.
• Afro Chats - Multiple-session workshops tackling issues such as safer-sex negotiation, behavior change and improving health and quality of life.
• Counseling and Support - Staff is available to provide confidential individual counseling and support during weekly office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm). Call (415) 487-8018 for an appointment.
• Leadership Workshops, Retreats, Community Building Projects & Volunteer Opportunities - These projects are for African American men who wish to have a greater impact on improving their local community. They include a peer health advocate program, community service volunteer opportunities, and activities related to community outreach at public events. Participants say their involvement in these projects enhances a sense of belonging to the larger community -- all designed by staff and clients to have a positive impact on the black community through building leadership and communication skills.

Regular Activities and Events:

Phoenix Rising is a weekly drop-in group every Wednesday from 4 to 6pm at our foundation offices at 1035 Market Street, 4th Floor. It allows men of African descent to get support from each other on issues such as relationships, substance use and HIV care and prevention.

Colors of Recovery happens every Monday from 1:30 to 3pm at One Sixth Street. It's a closed group for men of African descent who have committed to getting peer support about addiction issues in a harm-reduction context.