Recommendations for Inclusive Data Collection of Trans People in HIV Prevention, Care & Services

This report provides guidelines for collecting data on transgender persons, for the purpose of HIV prevention and care and treatment services. The report defines transgender (trans) and discusses the epidemiology of HIV among transgender women. It contends that current methods of data collecting ignore trans women and results in a lack of knowledge, comfort, and skill among health and social service providers who work with trans clients and patients. This has resulted in many trans people avoiding health care services for preventive and other treatment, and in trans people having a lower adherence to their medication. It recommends improved surveillance and data collection methods, suggests questions to validate a person’s gender identity and understand their history, and explains the rationale behind this change. The report concludes with an offer of assistance with consultation and training focused on HIV prevention and transgender populations.