Joel Schumacher collaborates with MTV on PSA targeting minority gays

The MTV network has premiered the first-ever national public service announcement campaign on sexual health targeting the community most affected by HIV/AIDS: minority gay men. MTV is collaborating with the Kaiser Family Foundation and the BET network in creating the campaign, aimed at promoting safer sex in the African-American and Latino gay communities. Out filmmaker Joel Schumacher (Bad Company, Tigerland) donated his time and directed the spots, which began airing Thursday on MTV in honor of National HIV Testing Day.

Brian Graden, the openly gay president of MTV and VH1 Entertainment, said in a statement: "The rate of HIV/AIDS infection among young gay men, especially in minority communities, has reached epidemic proportions. We are thrilled to have partnered with BET and Kaiser to address the disproportionate needs of African-American young gay men and hope these messages will enable our viewers to make safe and responsible choices. And we are so lucky to have Joel Schumacher join us in this crusade. No one is better at getting young people to speak openly and candidly."