The RISE Lab

Why is the Study Important?

In October 2016, the National Institute of Minority Health and Disparities (NIMHD) formally designated gender minorities, including transgender women (TW), as a health disparities population. Research among TW has found up to 56% of Black TW and 16% of Latina TW are living with HIV (TWLHIV). The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides HIV services for more than 5,500 TW (53% Black, 29% Latina); and according to a CDC national estimate, more than 5,700 HIV-infected adults receiving medical care in the U.S. self-identify as TW (45% Black, 30% Latina).

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Transgender women living with HIV (TWLHIV) experience widespread stigma and discrimination at the societal, interpersonal, and individual levels. Discrimination and stigma cause excess stress associated with health disparities including poor mental health and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Further, evidence on CVD among transgender adults found that TW face higher risk for CVD than non-transgender adults.

Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), including estrogen, is commonly used by TW to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. GAHT has been shown to improve mental health for transgender people and to help engagement with healthcare for TWLHIV who may prioritize this gender-related treatment over HIV care. Cross-sectional data suggest that linking GAHT to HIV care may improve commitment to taking HIV medication and improving health.