HIV Evidence Report: Transgender Persons and HIV

This report discusses transgender persons and the risk of HIV infection. It defines transgender and notes that there is no national surveillance data for this population. It explains the nature of HIV-associated risk and vulnerability of transgender persons, in that they are at increased risk for HIV infection, and that low self-esteem, economic status, substance use, and lack of social support create barriers to adopting safer behaviors. Also, many transgender persons engage in sex work as a means of economic support. The report discusses health care and HIV prevention services for transgender persons, including the fact that none of the CDC-reviewed best-evidence interventions focused on at-risk populations have targeted transgenders. None of the interventions that have worked with other groups have been adapted for the transgender population.