Breaking barriers: Paving the way for enhanced HIV care in trans communities

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SY37

Symposium

Cross-track

CME accredited

Hall B0b/Channel 5

26 July 12:00 - 13:00

MODERATOR

Anil Padavatan
GATE, South Africa

The session will explore the health challenges encountered by trans individuals, with emphasis on their increased susceptibility to HIV and a spotlight on startling statistics. The session will delve into barriers that often prevent trans individuals from accessing essential HIV services and look for ways to overcome them. Barriers include societal issues, like stigma and discrimination, and practical concerns, such as lack of health insurance, inadequate employment or housing, and limited access to welcoming healthcare environments. It will discuss how negative experiences and denial of care can compound these difficulties and explore strategies to ensure comprehensive care for trans individuals by addressing these challenges. The session will underscore the necessity of providing people-centred HIV care for all trans people and explore ways to expand culturally appropriate and targeted HIV testing efforts.

Presentations
Rapporteur Summary

12:00 8 min	Introduction Anil Padavatan GATE, South Africa

12:08 10 min	Holistic care for trans people: A community-led approach Rena Janamnuaysook Program Manager, Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Thailand

12:18 10 min	Transcending boundaries: Navigating risk and care in trans young people Asa Radix Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, United States

12:28 10 min	Impact of gender identity laws on HIV outcomes: A cross-regional study Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes Transgender Europe, Germany

12:38 10 min	The impact and importance of community engagement in clinical trials with a focus on transgender participation Toi Washington-Reynolds Trans Women of Color Healing Project, United States

12:48 12 min	Conclusion Rena Janamnuaysook Program Manager, Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Thailand Asa Radix Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, United States Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes Transgender Europe, Germany Toi Washington-Reynolds Trans Women of Color Healing Project, United States

AUTHOR

Beo Oliveira Leite

SUMMARY

It is crucial to consider transgender voices and experiences are pivotal for leading an equitable health and social justice. This session fulfills this role by featuring a diverse panel of transgender persons sharing their expertise, challenges, and provide valuable lessons on transgender integrative health, comprehensive services, and HIV care.

HIGHLIGHTS

Anil Padavatan from GATE, South Africa, discussed challenges arising from social vulnerability caused by stigma, lack of transgender participation in research. Also emphasized the power of mobilization and advocacy. Rena Janamnuaysook from IHRI in Thailand, point out to high rates for HIV among transgender women in Bangkok, and contextualized discrimination within the healthcare services. She emphasized the need for comprehensive services, essential and specialized transgender care. Bangkok successfully implemented the first national trans-based campaign for PrEP use by mobilizing the community. Asa Radix from CLCHC in the United States presented the challenges faced by transgender minorities, including high rates of violence, suicide, and HIV prevalence. Asa shared an experience of a service focused on advocacy, community participation, comprehensive healthcare, and covering resources. Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes from TGEU in Germany explored the intersectional effects on the transgender community, particularly regarding HIV rates. The lack of access to health services remains a significant gap, especially in terms of campaigns and resources. Comprehensive healthcare services based on gender affirmation are needed in different settings. Toi Washington-Reynolds from the TWCH project in the United States shared the experience of G-CAG, a global advocacy group working on clinical trials to ensure representative voices and participation.

CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

Transgender population remains highly vulnerable to various social and health issues. The worldwide prevalence of HIV is still high, and some groups, like transgender man still underrepresented in both research and intervention. The experiences of transgender population needed to be listened to, and lessons needed to be learned. Advocating for community-based participation and integrative services is the best way to improve access, end stigma, and promote social justice.