Immigrant trans Latinas in New York City—resiliencies, vulnerabilities, and health disparities

Introduction: Research suggests that the largest racial/ethnic group of trans women (male-to-female transgender people) in New York City is Latinas. HIV seroprevalence among trans Latinas have been found to be as high as 49% in New York City, and trans Latinas are at high risk for HIV infection in other parts of the U.S. as well as internationally. Despite their being at unusually high risk for HIV, very little is known about the social determinants of health among trans Latinas.

Methods: These data comes from a mixed-methods study that examined low-income trans/gender-variant people of color who attended transgender support groups at harm reduction programs in New York City. The study was conducted from 2011-12, with a total N=34, in which N=21 were Latina-identified. The qualitative portion was derived from six focus group interviews that were audio-taped and transcribed. The quantitative portion was derived from a survey that was administered at the focus groups.

Results and Discussion: The majority of trans Latinas were immigrants, many from Mexico, and the majority of these immigrants were undocumented. Immigrant trans Latinas had stronger bonds of social support with one another compared to more assimilated trans Latinas. This support was often in the form of “thick trust” (bonding/sharing) as well as “thin trust” (information dissemination). Immigrant trans Latinas also experienced familial rejection/social ostracization, economic exclusion, legal/deportation issues, health care exclusion, as well as high risk for victimization. High mental stress, substance use, and HIV infection were prevalent among the immigrant trans Latinas in this study.