Suppose you identify as a transgender woman and have been paying attention. In that case, you may have noticed that much of the marketing surrounding HIV prevention (PrEP) is primarily targeted toward cisgender men. However, it is crucial to recognize that transgender women are also among the most at-risk groups for HIV infection. Studies have shown that42% of transgender women reported being HIV positive in a group from seven major US cities.
If you are a transgender woman, it is essential to know that you have the right to enjoy sex without worry and live your life without the risk of HIV. That's why organizations likePrEP2Me are here to support you. Here are four compelling reasons why every sexually active transgender woman should prioritize their safety with PrEP, a vital tool in HIV prevention.
1. Trans Women Are An At-Risk Group
As we’ve discussed, transgender women, including those living with HIV, are one of the most at-risk groups of people for contracting HIV. But those statistics can also be broken down to discover more about “who” and “why:”
There are racial disparities in HIV diagnoses within the transfeminine community. Among the study mentioned above group, Black women represented 62% of diagnoses, Latinas represented 35%, and white women represented just 17%.
- Young trans adults of all genders between 25-34 were most widely reported to be diagnosed with HIV, and geographically, most lived in the South.
- While data on sex work can be challenging to accumulate, a study on trans sex workers of all genders showed that transfeminine respondents were twice as likely to participate in sex work compared to transmasculine respondents. Sex workers of all genders are some of the highest-risk individuals for HIV infection in the world.
Just like any marginalized group of people, trans women are far from a monolith, and your experiences may be very different from those of another woman who shares your gender. However, it’s essential to understand the risks to your community, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, transgender women living with HIV, HIV status, and being HIV positive, so that you can better decide how to protect yourself and your partners.
2. PrEP Won’t Affect Your Hormones
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is crucial for transgender health. It's understandable to have concerns about adding new medications to your regimen, especially when taking feminizing hormones like estrogen and testosterone blockers. You may worry about how these hormones will interact with your PrEP and if they will increase your HIV risk.
However, studies on trans patients using Truvada have shown that these concerns are unfounded. Transgender people can confidently take PrEP and hormones without compromising their effectiveness or increasing their HIV risk. Ensuring the well-being and safety of transgender individuals is paramount in discussions about their health.
3. Your Partners’ Genders Don’t Matter
There is a common misconception that all -- or even most -- trans women who are HIV-negative are exclusively dating and having sex with cis men. However, this is far from the case. Trans women, regardless of their gender identity, engage in various relationships with people of all genders, including other trans women, while prioritizing their HIV-negative status.
It is important to remember that HIV can be transmitted through anal or vaginal sex with anyone, not just cis men. Therefore, individuals must take necessary precautions, such as using PrEP, to protect themselves from HIV transmission. This discussion highlights the importance of considering gender identity, disease control, and maintaining an HIV-negative status.
4. You Deserve Worry-Free Sex
Suppose you believe you may have had a high-risk encounter. In that case, if you’re in the Western Pennsylvania area and you would like to get tested for HIV, visit the culturally competent clinic at Central Outreach Wellness Center.
As transgender persons undergoing hormone therapy, it's crucial to consider startingPrEP for multiple reasons. Firstly, your safety and well-being are paramount. Whether you engage in sexual activities for pleasure, work, or love, you should have the freedom to do so without the fear of contracting HIV. The peace of mind offered by PrEP alone is invaluable, making starting as soon as possible essential.
Additionally, accessing PrEP has become easier than ever. With the convenient online service PrEP2Me, you can have the medication delivered directly to you. This service includes an initial at-home STI test, ensuring your peace of mind and helping us determine your readiness to begin PrEP. Regardless of your insurance situation, our main priority is to keep you safe and provide the necessary medications.
It's important for transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy to consider the benefits of PrEP, as it allows for safer and worry-free sexual experiences.
Get started with PrEP2Me, where we make staying safe easy and accessible for everyone!
