Process of becoming: A health needs assessment of the transgender community in miami, Florida

Recent findings about HIV among transgender populations have found HIV seroprevalence rates ranging from 27.7% to more than 50% for African-American transgenders, as well as high rates of unprotected anal intercourse, multiple partners, and sex work (Herbst, 2008;DiSantis, 2009). Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Enhanced Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Plan (ECHPP), the Miami-Dade County Health Department and the Prevention Committee under the HIV/AIDS Partnership approved the creation of a Transgender Workgroup. The main purpose of the workgroup was to conduct a community needs assessment via listening sessions to learn more about the healthcare needs of the Miami transgender community. Five groups (n = 49) were conducted with various segments of the Miami transgender community. Youth, African-Americans, Latino groups all participated and ages ranged from 15 to 55 years. Gender and sexual orientation also varied widely. Most (69.7%) had been tested for HIV and 11.1% reported an HIV-positive status. Almost 16% didn't know their HIV status. Group discussions were digitally recorded, transcribed, and translated (Spanish) if needed. Using NVivo qualitative analysis software from a grounded theory framework, all data were analyzed for themes. Emergent themes included healthcare needs, discrimination, barriers to care, and identity issues facing the transgender community. Participants conveyed a lack of primary healthcare services as well as trans-specific care. Barriers to care included discrimination from both employers and providers. Identity issues were also discussed. Participants suggested that a drop-in center and a mentorship program targeting transgenders were needed. Themes and quotes will be presented.