On April 18, AIDSVu recognizes National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD), a day to shed light on the disproportionate impact of HIV on the transgender community and to promote HIV testing, prevention, and care among transgender and gender non-binary people.
This year, AIDSVu is strengthening its commitment to promoting data-driven public health decision-making by sparking conversations and action surrounding the need for better data on the impact of HIV on transgender people, systemic barriers to care experienced by transgender people, and transgender representation in HIV surveillance and interventions planning.
As part of this commitment, AIDSVu is establishing an advisory group comprised of representatives from national HIV and transgender-focused organizations. This group will ensure that AIDSVu’s focus on transgender and HIV data is impactful, culturally appropriate, engaging, and useful for the broader community.
Transgender people are disproportionately impacted by HIV due to social and structural barriers to HIV prevention and care, such as stigma and discrimination, lack of awareness of transgender health among medical providers, and social rejection and exclusion. Barriers to healthcare for transgender people living with HIV, such as discrimination by medical professionals, prevent transgender people from accessing, receiving, and remaining in care.
Outside of healthcare settings, stigma and discrimination against transgender people in society can create financial insecurity and other challenges for transgender men and women. In fact, 77% of transgender women and 55% of transgender men served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program were living in poverty in 2019.
In addition to these barriers, racial disparities create higher burdens of HIV among some transgender populations. In 2019, Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women represented 83% of transgender women served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
Share our Infographics
To learn more about how the HIV epidemic impacts transgender men and women, explore our resources:
- Explore our local data profiles to learn about HIV/AIDS among transgender men and women in your area.
- Find available HIV testing and care services near you with AIDSVu’s service locators.
- Read our Q&As to deepen your understanding of HIV/AIDS among transgender men and women.
- Share our infographics with your networks to raise awareness.
