HIV Prevention among MtF Transgender Persons in Wisconsin: Leadership Development and Provider Preparation

African American MtF transgender people often experience severe marginalization in all communities from racial and ethnic, to religious/spiritual, to work/educational, and public health. Their needs for respect, affiliation, employment and financial resources, opportunities for a positive future, and skills are well documented. Environmental models can assist in the development of group and community interventions to address HIV prevention needs of this population. SHEBA (Sisters Health Each other Battle AIDS) was developed to reduce HIV risk in a group of African American MtF people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The groups meets bi-weekly and holds an annual two-day retreat to foster their development as community leaders. Progress on a set of target behaviors is incremental, but participation is regular and positive. Participants' needs, however, are not limited to those in their control. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services AIDS/HIV Program supported the development of ‘Transgender 101: Basics for Service Providers.' The one-day training is offered through the state HIV training system and the University of Wisconsin Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies. A group transgender people and providers developed the program and piloted it with six different service provider groups. Program content includes basics on the social construction of gender, the practice of gender in daily life, and HIV prevention needs of MtF people. Evaluation results reflect positive post-session gains in information and intentions to implement program changes.