Background: A San Francisco Department of Public Health study revealed that 35% of Male to Female (MTF) transgendered people surveyed tested positive for HIV infection in 1997, as compared to HIV seroprevalence estimates of less than 2% among all city residents. There are also an increased risk and incidence of health morbidities for transgendered people due to the extensive and persistent discrimination experienced in all aspects of their lives. This discrimination denies transgendered people basic human needs such as adequate housing, food, employment, health care, and community support. Purpose: This presentation examines how discrimination as a socio-environmental precursor for HIV infection negatively impacts HIV infection rates among San Francisco's MTF transgender community, and identifies how this discrimination exacerbates the needs of this population. Method: Through an extensive needs assessment and interviews with key informants (the majority of whom were transgendered persons) who work within the community, the needs of transgendered people and the effects of discrimination were examined and analyzed. Results: Significant discriminatory practices against transgendered people were found to exacerbate feelings of low self-esteem and hopelessness among members of this community. Alienated and misunderstood, transgendered people were found to be more apt to engage in increased risk behaviors, including those known to result in HIV infection. Conclusions: Despite the existence of legal safeguards in San Francisco that prohibit gender identity discrimination, discrimination against transgendered people continues to be pervasive. This presentation outlines a series of recommendations to eliminate discrimination and empower the San Francisco transgender community.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify and discuss specific discriminatory actions against transgendered people that have the potential to be risk factors for the spread of HIV. 2. Compare and analyze institutional and individual factors that result in discrimination against transgendered people. 3. Identify and evaluate options to eliminate societal and individual discrimination against transgendered people
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Risk Factors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.