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.
Transgender people are disproportionally impacted by HIV, with Transgender women of color being particularly vulnerable. In 2020, Black and Hispanic/Latina Transgender Women represented 4/5 or 80% of Transgender Women newly diagnosed with HIV.
Additionally, certain age groups are more impacted by HIV than others. Among Transgender people, 50% of new HIV diagnoses were among people aged 25-34, and 28% were among young people aged 13-24.
Transgender people often experience stigma, discrimination, and transphobia, which can adversely impact healthcare outcomes. This can be exacerbated by a lack of gender-sensitive care, which can discourage Transgender people from seeking or continuing healthcare. Many Transgender people also face barriers to healthcare coverage; the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program reported that 21% of Transgender clients did not have health insurance coverage in 2021. Furthermore, retention of care rates for Transgender males (72%) and Transgender females (76%) were lower compared to Cisgender males (78%) and females (81%).
Discrimination, stigma, and transphobia also contribute to financial insecurity and other challenges for Transgender men and women. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program found that 21% of Transgender clients lived in temporary or unstable housing. Additionally, 74% of Transgender clients lived at or below the federal poverty level.
AIDSVu is committed to promoting data-driven public health decision-making by supporting conversations around 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 intervention planning.
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.
- Learn more about the HIV’s impact on the Transgender community in our Deeper Look.
- 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.
