Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111019

Rogério M. Pinto, PhD, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University/NYS Psychiatric Institute, Unit 15, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-7281, rpinto16@aol.com, Rita Melendez, PhD, Center for Research on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University, 2017 Mission St, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94110, and Anya Y. Spector, MSW Student, Graduate School of Social Services, Fordham University, 113 W60th St, New York, NY 10023.

Objective: A population often described as hard-to-reach, Male-to-Female Transgender Individuals (MTFs) are at high risk for HIV infection. We aim to determine key parameters of a “transgender community” and their implications for Community-Based Participatory HIV Prevention Research (CBPHPR). Method: Sample consists of twenty, English and/or Spanish speaking, African American and Latina MTFs. Recruitment occurred at a health care clinic. Ages ranged from 20 to 47. Individual interviews lasted about 90 minutes and were audio recorded. Participants explored identity, social networks, gender and HIV issues. Data were coded by two independent coders, following standard procedure for content analysis. Results: MTFs use different spaces as a focus of identity and social values, as a means for practicing politics, and as a source of social capital. Gender identity, interpersonal relationships and geographic spaces helped define the notion of “community” for this sample. A “community of care” revolving around medical and psychosocial issues addressed at the clinic they attend may be ultimately what binds these MTFs together as a sexual community (Weeks, 2000). Conclusions: Principles of CBPHPR suggest that community development is a key focus in health research. To apply these principles in MTF communities, researchers need to first understand, from the perspective of MTFs, how they develop and define their own communities, and help them become more visible. Second CBPHPR ought to occur alongside political action and social capital development. Third research involving MTF communities need to consider MTFs unique health needs, including female hormone use and HIV prevention.

Learning Objectives:

• To catalog specific characteristics of the transgender community and their implication for community-based participatory research.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.