TRANSGENDER HIV PREVENTION - A QUALITATIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Although clinical experience and preliminary research suggest that som e transgender people are at significant risk for HIV, this stigmatized group has so far been largely ignored in HIV prevention. As part of t he development of HIV prevention education targeting the transgender p opulation, focus groups of selected transgender individuals assessed t heir HIV risks and prevention needs. Data were gathered in the followi ng four areas: (I) the impact of HIV/AIDS on transgender persons; (2) risk factors; (3) information and services needed; and (4) recruitment strategies. Findings indicated that HIV/AIDS compounds stigmatization related to transgender identity, interferes with sexual experimentati on during the transgender 'coming out' process, and may interfere with obtaining sex reassignment. Identified transgender-specific risk fact ors include: sexual identity conflict, shame and isolation, secrecy, s earch for affirmation, compulsive sexual behaviour, prostitution, and sharing needles while injecting hormones. Community involvement, peer education and affirmation of transgender identity were stressed as int egral components of a successful intervention. Education of health pro fessionals about transgender identity and sexuality and support groups for transgender people with HIV/AIDS are urgently needed.