This study evaluated the acceptability and applicability of the Women-Centered HIV Care (WCHC) Model among trans women and transfeminine individuals in Ontario, revealing general satisfaction but highlighting significant concerns about healthcare providers' understanding of the unique experiences of trans women. Participants emphasized the need for person-centered care and called for policy reforms to address systemic barriers in healthcare access and delivery for trans women living with HIV.

This study aims to investigate the potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) in trans and transfeminine women with HIV, addressing concerns that such interactions may lead to lower ART uptake in this population. The research protocol outlines a three-armed, longitudinal study comparing pharmacokinetic effects of the ART regimen (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and FHT components, ultimately providing vital insights into the safe coadministration of these therapies for trans women with HIV.

This pilot study assessed serum estradiol concentrations in trans women with HIV undergoing feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and unboosted integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), compared to trans women without HIV also on FHT. The results showed no significant differences in estradiol levels between the two groups, indicating a low likelihood of clinically relevant drug-drug interactions between FHT and unboosted INSTI-based ART, which may alleviate concerns that contribute to ART adherence barriers for trans women with HIV.

This study investigates HIV care engagement among transgender women living with HIV (TWLWH) in Montreal and Toronto, Canada, using retrospective data from clinic charts. It found that 100% of participants were engaged in HIV care, with 93% currently using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieving high rates of viral suppression. Notably, the study highlighted differences in ART use among racial groups and the impact of injection drug use history on viral suppression rates. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of HIV care for TWLWH in Canada and suggest opportunities to enhance care, particularly regarding the intersection of gender-affirming medical treatment and HIV management.

This paper summarizes five key considerations for pregnancy planning in individuals living with HIV, highlighting the importance of adequate preparation in reducing perinatal HIV transmission. With the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV is now a manageable chronic illness, allowing people with HIV to pursue parenthood. The updated Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines (CHPPGs) published in 2018 provide 36 recommendations to assist healthcare providers in counseling patients and their partners throughout the pregnancy planning process.

This study investigates barriers to healthcare access among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Jamaica, focusing on factors associated with having a regular healthcare provider. Out of 911 participants, only 43.6% reported having a regular provider. Higher age and identifying as a cisgender sexual minority man or woman were linked to increased odds of having a provider, while factors such as stigma from past healthcare experiences, financial constraints, and living in certain areas reduced access. The findings highlight the need for a multi-level approach to address these barriers and improve healthcare access for LGBT individuals in Jamaica.

This protocol outlines the development and pilot testing of the Transgender Education for Affirmative and Competent HIV and Healthcare intervention, aimed at enhancing healthcare providers' ability to deliver gender-affirming care to transgender (trans) individuals, particularly in the context of HIV prevention and treatment. The study involves a community-based research project that includes formative focus groups with trans women and interviews with providers to identify barriers to HIV care access. The intervention will then be piloted with 90-150 healthcare providers across three in-person settings, assessing feasibility, acceptability, and changes in perceived competency, attitudes, and knowledge regarding gender-affirming HIV care. 

This study explores how sexual stigma affects mental health among sexual minorities in Jamaica, focusing on the connections between various stigma dimensions (enacted, perceived, and internalized) and depressive symptoms. Analyzing data from 871 participants using structural equation modeling, the research found that nearly 91% reported recent depressive symptoms. Enacted stigma directly correlated with depression, while internalized stigma impacted it indirectly through factors like social support and resilient coping. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address the multifaceted nature of stigma and enhance coping strategies to improve mental health outcomes for sexual minorities.

This study examines the engagement of transgender women living with HIV (WLWH) in the HIV care cascade in Canada. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes quantitative data from 50 trans WLWH and qualitative interviews with 11 participants. Results show that while 78% reported current antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, gaps remain in adherence, with only 67% achieving ≥95% adherence. Factors positively influencing engagement include longer durations of living with HIV, while barriers include mental health issues, transphobia, HIV-related stigma, and housing insecurity. The study highlights that trans WLWH face both common barriers experienced by all individuals with HIV and unique challenges linked to their gender identity.

This paper explores the barriers transgender women face in accessing HIV-related healthcare, emphasizing the role of transphobia and intersecting systems of oppression, such as cisnormativity, sexism, classism, and stigma associated with HIV, gender nonconformity, substance use, and sex work. It advocates for using an intersectional framework to better understand these disparities and highlights the importance of focusing on the resilience and empowerment of transgender women living with HIV to improve healthcare access.

This study employed concept mapping to synthesize findings from the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS), revealing significant care gaps experienced by women with HIV in Canada over the past decade. The resulting composite concept maps identified key themes such as quality of life, HIV care, and mental health, while highlighting strengths like resilience and social support that contribute to the well-being of women with HIV, thereby informing priority setting for improved healthcare delivery.

This study examined the use of feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) among trans women with HIV, finding that those with HIV were prescribed FHT less frequently than their counterparts without HIV. Despite this disparity, the analysis revealed no significant differences in serum estradiol or testosterone levels between trans women with and without HIV on FHT, suggesting that potential drug-drug interactions between FHT and ART may not be a concern.

This study investigates intimate partner violence (IPV) among transgender and gender diverse individuals, revealing that rates are significantly higher than in the general population. Utilizing data from the 2018 Michigan Trans Health Survey, the analysis employs chi-square tests and logistic regressions to explore differences in IPV experiences across various sociodemographic categories. Key findings indicate that homelessness correlates with higher rates of physical violence, forced sex, threats of outing, and belittling of gender. Additionally, age and gender identity also affect the likelihood of experiencing IPV. The results underscore the necessity for transgender and gender diverse-inclusive programming, particularly targeting older individuals, those with multiple gender identities or queer orientations, and those experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the importance of developing both IPV prevention programs and support services, including mental health clinics and shelters, for transgender and gender diverse survivors of violence.

This study explores the pervasive violence experienced by transgender women living with HIV, emphasizing how their marginalized gender identity and health condition heighten their vulnerability. Through semi-structured interviews with 11 trans women across three Canadian provinces, the research reveals that early experiences of violence, such as familial rejection and bullying, often lead to further victimization in adulthood, including police violence and abuse from partners. Additionally, participants reported discursive violence from healthcare providers, which negatively impacts their overall well-being. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address and reduce violence against trans women, particularly in healthcare settings, to improve their safety and health outcomes.

The study assessed the "Transgender Education for Affirmative and Competent HIV and Healthcare" (TEACHH) intervention, aimed at improving healthcare providers' competency in gender-affirming HIV care for transgender women. With 78 participants, the intervention showed high feasibility and acceptability, achieving 100% workshop completion and significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency. These results suggest that scaling up TEACHH could enhance access to HIV services and reduce disparities among transgender women.

This study investigated the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among transgender women living with HIV (WLWH), revealing that nearly half of participants (45.3%) experienced clinically significant symptoms. Using data from a national community-based study of 1,422 WLWH, it identified key factors associated with these mental health challenges, including internalized stigma, substance use, resilience, and social support. The findings highlight the urgent need for multi-level interventions aimed at improving mental wellbeing and reducing barriers faced by trans WLWH, ultimately fostering resilience and support within this community.

This qualitative study examines how transgender women living with HIV (WLWH) demonstrate resilience in the face of stigma within healthcare settings. Conducted through semi-structured interviews with 11 trans WLWH, the research identifies three main themes: the resilient responses to stigma, the motivations and outcomes of these responses, and recommendations for systemic change in healthcare. Participants showcased traits of resilience and transformation, highlighting benefits such as enhanced self-worth and access to better healthcare, alongside challenges like defensive provider reactions and ongoing stereotypes. The study emphasizes the need for trans inclusion in healthcare delivery and suggests that increased provider education can help reduce stigma, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for trans WLWH.

This study investigates the barriers and facilitators to accessing medical transition among transgender women living with HIV (WLWH), a group that faces significant challenges in obtaining HIV care. Utilizing a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, the research analyzed quantitative data from 48 participants and qualitative interviews from 11 participants. Over half of the respondents were either fully transitioned or in the process, while nearly one-fifth were planning but had not started their transition. Key barriers identified included housing instability, transphobia, HIV-related stigma, and healthcare access issues. The findings highlight the need to address stigma and structural barriers in healthcare to enhance access to both medical transition and HIV care for trans WLWH.

This study examines the factors influencing sex work involvement among transgender women in Jamaica, where they face high rates of HIV and violence. Conducted in 2015 with 137 participants, the survey found that over half reported engaging in sex work, both paid and transactional (exchanging sex for survival needs). Key associations included mental health issues, low social support, violence, unemployment, and stigma. Those involved in transactional sex experienced higher rates of incarceration and homelessness. The findings highlight the social and structural drivers of HIV risk and emphasize the need for targeted interventions for transgender women in Jamaica.

This piece discusses the pervasive impact of cisnormativity on research and healthcare, particularly how it neglects the needs and experiences of transgender and gender diverse  individuals, leading to significant health disparities. It emphasizes the importance of meaningful community engagement in research, particularly through community-based research (CBR) approaches, which prioritize transgender and gender diverse  voices, enhance trust, and facilitate the development of relevant studies that address the unique challenges faced by transgender and gender diverse populations.

This study examined HIV prevalence and associated factors among trans women receiving clinical care in Montreal and Toronto, revealing a 7.5% HIV positive rate among 1,059 patients, which is lower than global estimates. The analysis indicated that younger age groups had lower odds of being HIV positive, while higher odds were associated with factors such as being of Black race/ethnicity, being a landed immigrant or refugee, receiving social assistance, and having a history of recreational drug use, highlighting significant gaps in HIV testing and the socioeconomic realities affecting trans women in Canada.

This study explores HIV care providers' perspectives on the needs and barriers faced by cisgender (cis) and transgender (trans) women living with HIV. Through interviews with eight providers in Michigan, the research identified three themes: distinct clinical needs for cis and trans women, shared structural barriers to care, and proposed solutions often framed primarily for cis women. Findings highlight the importance of providing gender-affirming medical care and addressing structural barriers to create a more inclusive and effective HIV care approach for all women.

This study investigates critical hope among transgender women of color in Toronto, focusing on community agency and self-love in the context of HIV prevention. Participants prioritized journeys of self-acceptance over HIV-related risks, leading to the development of arts-based methods—affirmation cards, hand-held mirrors, and anatomical heart images—that fostered solidarity and resilience. The findings highlight the potential of centering critical hope and participatory approaches to challenge biomedical narratives and promote transformative health strategies for marginalized groups.

This study explored the health challenges faced by trans women of color in Detroit through an intersectional lens, highlighting how intersecting oppressions like cisnormativity and racism contribute to health inequities. Through focus groups with 33 participants, two key themes emerged: the impact of intersecting stigmas and social determinants of health, and the issue of intersectional exclusion from adequate services. Participants called for more inclusive and holistic programs that extend beyond HIV-related services, advocating for policy and organizational changes that prioritize community-led solutions. Addressing these challenges could enhance opportunities and support for trans women of color.

This qualitative study explores barriers and facilitators to HIV care for transgender (trans) women, comparing perspectives from both trans women (n = 26) and service providers (n = 10). Key barriers identified include anticipated stigma, lack of provider knowledge regarding trans-specific needs, and the absence of tailored services. Facilitators highlighted by both groups include trauma-informed care and the importance of autonomy in selecting health services. While the perspectives of trans women and providers showed significant overlap, they also revealed nuanced differences. The study offers specific recommendations for administrators and service providers to enhance HIV care access and promote health equity for trans women.

This study investigates the mental health experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, drawing on data from the 2018 Michigan Trans Health Survey. It highlights the high prevalence of mental health issues within this population, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, while examining how these experiences vary based on sociodemographic factors such as race, gender, and disability status. The findings underscore the importance of adopting an intersectional approach in mental health services for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

This study addresses the unique HIV vulnerabilities faced by transgender women of color in Canada, which are influenced by social exclusion and intersectional stigma. The researchers conducted a qualitative implementation science study to identify HIV prevention priorities among this group. Initially, focus groups with trans women of color (n=8) revealed a need to shift the focus from HIV risks to promoting self-acceptance. The insights led to the creation of the TRANScending Love (T-Love) arts-based workshop, which was pilot tested with 18 participants. Feedback indicated that the workshops effectively fostered self-acceptance and connection among participants, highlighting the potential of arts-based strategies to mitigate internalized stigma and enhance solidarity within the community.

This article explores the health and human rights inequities faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth in Jamaica, where homosexuality is criminalized and stigma is prevalent. It highlights the emergence of local LGBT and HIV organizations focused on promoting health and rights but notes a lack of research on social work education and practice in this context. The article advocates for multi-level empowerment-oriented social work practices that encompass psychological, relational, community, and structural dimensions to address these inequities. Using Jamaica AIDS Support for Life as a case study, it illustrates effective advocacy and intervention strategies for social workers. Additionally, the article proposes a sample syllabus for an empowerment-oriented social work course tailored to LGBT youth in Jamaica, emphasizing the importance of training social workers to promote health and social justice.