Transgender Adult Identity Mentoring (TG-AIM): HIV prevention through positive possible futures

This presentation will provide an overview of TG-AIM (Transgender Adult Identity Mentoring), an HIV-prevention intervention for transgender youth of color ages 14 to 24, including theoretical background, development process, implementation, and preliminary outcomes. Recognizing the lack of programs developed specifically for transgender youth, who have been identified as being at high risk for HIV, the CDC has funded the development and implementation of TG-AIM through a 3-year service grant for locally developed HIV interventions. The overall goal of the TG-AIM program is HIV-prevention through development of positive possible future selves that youth want to work towards and protect. The foundation for TG-AIM has been Project AIM, an HIV prevention program for middle school students based on the Theory of Possible Selves. Research has demonstrated that Project AIM is an effective program that has an impact on intentions to reduce risk behaviors, delay of sexual activity, and improved academic performance and behavior in the school environment. Through collaboration of five Los Angeles community agencies that serve transgender youth of color, Project AIM has been adapted and tailored to be relevant and salient for transgender youth. As a team, the case managers and supervisor, a clinical psychologist, identified key issues for TG youth and integrated these topics into the curriculum. The resulting 6-week TG-AIM program includes individual and group sessions. Collection of process data, participant feedback through surveys and focus groups, facilitator feedback and pre/post outcome data inform further program improvement and effectiveness.