The HIV prevention needs of African American transgender women living in the southern region of the United States

Abstract

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to examine the HIV prevention needs of African American transgender women living in one state in the southern region of the United States. A purposeful sample of 15 transgender women, 18 to 35 years of age, participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine the HIV prevention needs of this group of women. Four themes emerged from the data: the desire to be affirmed as a female but remain invisible; high risk contexts; there is a need to nullify discrimination and stigma; and additional resources are needed for HIV prevention efforts. The findings underscore the significance for programs designed specifically to address the unique HIV prevention needs for transgender women of color.

Keywords

• african american
• transgender
• women
• hiv prevention
• interview