HIV/STD issues within the transgendered community

[whatsupwithat]

First of all, by posting this I am not implying anything about anyone. Those of you that know me personally know that if anything, I believe we should support our brothers and sisters with HIV and educate those without HIV about prevention.

Please read the whole thing to try and understand the issues involved. There are many. And maybe we, together, can make a difference?

And to those who are perhaps not that educated about HIV, this doesn't mean you can't have sex. It just means to respect yourself and the person or people you're with. Be safe. Wear a condom. That's all. :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


National HIV Prevention Conference
Atlanta, Georgia - Jun 12-15, 2005

STD/HIV TRANSMISSION ISSUES
AMONG TRANSGENDER


ISSUE: HIV/STD transmission issues within the TG (transgender) community are misunderstood not only by the general population but by the transgender individual themselves. HIV/STD’s are also increasing at an alarming rate within the TG community.

SETTING: HIV/STD transmission routes unique to the TG individual, issues in testing and receiving care, psychosocial issues of risk taking behavior.

IMPLICATIONS: The Transgender community is a largely diverse group. Within the TG community are particular sub-groups that are more at risk than others. MTF (male to female transgender) sex workers have high rates of HIV infection, with overall rates of 35% in San Francisco in 1997 and 22% in Los Angeles in 1998. A study of MTF sex workers in Atlanta found that 68% tested positive for HIV. Infections among MTFs continue to rise, with an estimated rate of new infections of 3-8% per year. Injection drug use is also visible among MTFs, again putting them at high risk for HIV. In a San Francisco study, 18% of the respondents reported non-hormonal injection drug use in the past six months and half of this group shared syringes. MTFs may inject female hormones in order to feminize their bodies, putting them again at increased risk. Transphobia, or the pervasive social stigmatization of MTFs, greatly exacerbates their HIV risk. This intense stigmatization results in their social marginalization, which includes the denial of educational, employment and housing opportunities. It also creates multiple barriers to accessing health care. Such marginalization lowers MTFs’ self esteem, increases the likelihood of survival sex work and lessens the likelihood of safer sex practices. All of this can lead to high rates of HIV, STDs, drug use and attempted suicide. Pre-GRS (genital reassignment surgery) MTFs primarily have sex with men and are likely to engage in receptive anal sex, which puts them at increased risk. Some MTF commercial sex workers are willing to not use condoms with their paying partners if they are offered more money however, some studies show that most unprotected sex occurs with primary partners, not paying partners. Psychosocial factors such as poverty, low self-esteem, depression, rejection, and powerlessness are cited by many MTFs as barriers to sexual and drug risk reduction. For example, many MTFs state that they engage in unprotected sex because it validates their female gender identity and boosts their self-esteem. Commercial sex is largely a means of survival. For many MTFs, securing employment and housing are more pressing issues than HIV and must be addressed before HIV prevention efforts can be effective. Many trans-gender individuals do not access HIV prevention or health services due to the insensitivity of service providers and health care staff or fear of being revealed as transgender.

Special thanks to: Transgender Advisory Committee to the AIDS Office and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, AIDS Office Kristen Clements, Kerrily Kitano, and Willy Wilkinson San Francisco County Jail (San Bruno), Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center, Tom Waddell Clinic And the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at the University of California San Francisco.

Copyright notice: The National HIV Prevention Conference is collaborative effort by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Government agency, and other governmental and non-government organizations. All abstracts published by the conference organizers are in the public domain and can be used without permission. Proper citation, however, is required.

[whatsupwithat]

Interesting that there's not one reply. I know it's not the happiest or sexiest of topics but I was hoping to open up a dialogue on the issue(s)...there are many to be discussed. Oh well...

[DJ_Asia]

yeah its a scary reality of the GLTG communities.

Here in Thailand there has been improvements but I personally know a few HIV poz girls here who still do bareback w/ unsuspecting farangs...sad but true.

[SarahG]

The only hope I see, to really cut down such risks, both for the girls and the guys hiring them- is if someone were able to develop a reliable, fairly instant (say 5 min) hiv home-test kit.

Personally I wouldn't have a problem being in a relationship with someone with hiv/aids, so long I knew before hand so I could protect myself... that and even if two people with aids are in a sexual relationship, I have been told by some medical professionals that unprotected sex can continue to worsen their situation by increasing the amount of the virus within the body (i dunno if that is accurate information- I am hardly a doctor).

[iloveshemales77]

Good post! All of us need to be as informed as possible about this scurge and make informed decisions.

My older brother screwed his way through the 70s and had a whale of a time! Got married and monogamous in 1983. I'm part of the generation that started having an active sex life in the mid 80's just as this shit started hitting the fan. It's hung over me all my (sex) life and is not going to go away. However, this is nothing compared to the calamity Aids has caused in sub-Saharan Africa.

[peggygee]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/trans-aburst.gif

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/bump1_3x4.jpg

[backthen]

im never going to have sex or possible marry a ts or tg now, considering how many are infected, not worth it to me, to get aids

[whatsupwithat]

im never going to have sex or possible marry a ts or tg now, considering how many are infected, not worth it to me, to get aids

Damn, you would look good in a "I'm an ignorant selfish asshat" tshirt.

I really, really hope you're just trolling.

[backthen]

im never going to have sex or possible marry a ts or tg now, considering how many are infected, not worth it to me, to get aids

Damn, you would look good in a "I'm an ignorant selfish asshat" tshirt.

I really, really hope you're just trolling.


I am not going to argue with you over the internet, in the end, you'll have aids and ill be laughing.

[whatsupwithat]

im never going to have sex or possible marry a ts or tg now, considering how many are infected, not worth it to me, to get aids

Damn, you would look good in a "I'm an ignorant selfish asshat" tshirt.

I really, really hope you're just trolling.


I am not going to argue with you over the internet, in the end, you'll have aids and ill be laughing.


You're right. No use in even communicating.

[flabbybody]

people make choices that sometimes puts their health at risk. Having sex with a stranger is certainly one of them. Always using condoms brings this risk down to manageable level, at least for me personally.
but everyone has their own risk level threashold. this is a personal decision that everyone has to make.
A blanket statement that you'll never have sex with a t cause of your fear of HIV sounds bigoted, especially since there are other groups that are more prone to pass on the disease.

[backthen]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

[whatsupwithat]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

Ever ask yourself who they get it from?

[SarahG]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

I somewhat question the validity of those stats when they are being applied across the board to the entire ts community.

I am curious firstly how they found these sex workers to test- are these just random people off the street? I would think that it is alot like GGs doing that field where the more high end you get, the less risky stuff like that becomes (i.e. an escort with a restrictive membership list vrs someone in a dark alley doing whoever has $5 in change...).

From there I would propose that stats for people working as sex workers isn't always reflective of the entire community.

I am also curious what the aids stats are for nonts sex workers in the same cities as those mentioned in the OP... I know in vegas in the past (not sure if this is still the case) if you're caught working as sex worker and you've got aids- you're ass is being thrown in jail (i don't really agree with that notion but...).

[peggygee]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

Well, here's where I suggest you work on your reading
comprehension skills.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/hookedonphonics5x2.jpg


IMPLICATIONS: The Transgender community is a largely
diverse group. Within the TG community are particular
sub-groups that are more at risk than others. MTF (male to female
transgender) sex workers have high rates of HIV infection, with
overall rates of 35% in San Francisco in 1997 and 22% in Los Angeles
in 1998. A study of MTF sex workers in Atlanta found that 68% tested
positive for HIV


The STD infection rate in all sex workers will tend to be higher than
average as compared to the rest of the populace.

Given that an estimated %33 of transwoman are engaged in sex work
that will leave %67 who are not.

I trust that we won't be needing the Math version of of Hooked On
Numbers?

[iloveshemales77]

I read am interesting statistic from the Robert Koch Institute here in Germany to the effect that HIV is spreading fast with gay men who claim to be in a monogamous relationship... Sure, it's more prevalent in certain cohorts (such as sex workers & IV drug users) but as whatsup said: "Ever asked where they got it from?"
Point is: it's out there, nobody is safe. Be as informed as you can and make a decision based on that, not prejudice or urban myths.

[whatsupwithat]

bump-dee-bump. :)

[SarahG]

http://fightaidsathome.scripps.edu/

Provided w/out commentary^

[backthen]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

Well, here's where I suggest you work on your reading
comprehension skills.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/hookedonphonics5x2.jpg


IMPLICATIONS: The Transgender community is a largely
diverse group. Within the TG community are particular
sub-groups that are more at risk than others. MTF (male to female
transgender) sex workers have high rates of HIV infection, with
overall rates of 35% in San Francisco in 1997 and 22% in Los Angeles
in 1998. A study of MTF sex workers in Atlanta found that 68% tested
positive for HIV


The STD infection rate in all sex workers will tend to be higher than
average as compared to the rest of the populace.

Given that an estimated %33 of transwoman are engaged in sex work
that will leave %67 who are not.

I trust that we won't be needing the Math version of of Hooked On
Numbers?


WAY more then 33% of all MTF are sex workers and you know this

[SarahG]

WAY more then 33% of all MTF are sex workers and you know this

I am not sure if that is actually the case. You have to remember, the girls who are sex workers are more visible than alot of people are... its hard to be counted in population stats when you do everything you can not to be thought of in terms of that status (being trans).

[whatsupwithat]

yes but the percent of positive cases is so high in ts

Well, here's where I suggest you work on your reading
comprehension skills.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/hookedonphonics5x2.jpg


IMPLICATIONS: The Transgender community is a largely
diverse group. Within the TG community are particular
sub-groups that are more at risk than others. MTF (male to female
transgender) sex workers have high rates of HIV infection, with
overall rates of 35% in San Francisco in 1997 and 22% in Los Angeles
in 1998. A study of MTF sex workers in Atlanta found that 68% tested
positive for HIV


The STD infection rate in all sex workers will tend to be higher than
average as compared to the rest of the populace.

Given that an estimated %33 of transwoman are engaged in sex work
that will leave %67 who are not.

I trust that we won't be needing the Math version of of Hooked On
Numbers?


WAY more then 33% of all MTF are sex workers and you know this

You know, I'm not too sure about that. The most visible are the sex workers so perhaps that leads one to suppose or assume most TG are sex workers.

Interesting point, though. Be a good study.

[SarahG]

You know, I'm not too sure about that. The most visible are the sex workers so perhaps that leads one to suppose or assume most TG are sex workers.

I don't see how a study can make conclusions about the % that are sex workers... it is very hard to find individuals to include in studies and... although I hate to bring up the "is stealth a fiction?" thread- if you're trying everything you can to;
1- fade into the shadows/crowd
2- not let anyone know you're trans if you can help it
3- remove as much information as possible from the public record et al

Then I don't see how alot of girls, can be taken into a study's consideration.

That- and if we are talking ts universally, but not exclusive to tgirls... then one can not do much but wonder how FtMs fit into the picture/studies/etc on these topics (I guess they easily get forgotten in the realm of trans issues). If anyone has a better chance at doing stealth (or close to it), its the ftms because its so much easier for them to "look the part so to speak"- I have yet to see a ftm that didn't pass after merely being on T long enough... regardless the age they "start at"- with tgirls, if you start late enough I highly doubt E will be enough.

[whatsupwithat]

You know, I'm not too sure about that. The most visible are the sex workers so perhaps that leads one to suppose or assume most TG are sex workers.

I don't see how a study can make conclusions about the % that are sex workers...

Yeah, it would be very difficult. There's even the population that work 9 to 5, don't advertise, don't fraternize with other TGs, and have a clientele. Perhaps the guys who visit sex workers are the key?

[Solitary Brother]

Everyone knows that the rate of transmission of HIV is superhigh in the transgender community.
People need to get REAL........
What causes MOST people to get HIV is their own PERSONAL choices.......
Unless personal behavior gets modified nothing will change.
The stats dont lie.

[mikey_stl]

First of all, by posting this I am not implying anything about anyone. Those of you that know me personally know that if anything, I believe we should support our brothers and sisters with HIV and educate those without HIV about prevention.

Please read the whole thing to try and understand the issues involved. There are many. And maybe we, together, can make a difference?

And to those who are perhaps not that educated about HIV, this doesn't mean you can't have sex. It just means to respect yourself and the person or people you're with. Be safe. Wear a condom. That's all. :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


National HIV Prevention Conference
Atlanta, Georgia - Jun 12-15, 2005

STD/HIV TRANSMISSION ISSUES
AMONG TRANSGENDER


ISSUE: HIV/STD transmission issues within the TG (transgender) community are misunderstood not only by the general population but by the transgender individual themselves. HIV/STD’s are also increasing at an alarming rate within the TG community.

SETTING: HIV/STD transmission routes unique to the TG individual, issues in testing and receiving care, psychosocial issues of risk taking behavior.

IMPLICATIONS: The Transgender community is a largely diverse group. Within the TG community are particular sub-groups that are more at risk than others. MTF (male to female transgender) sex workers have high rates of HIV infection, with overall rates of 35% in San Francisco in 1997 and 22% in Los Angeles in 1998. A study of MTF sex workers in Atlanta found that 68% tested positive for HIV. Infections among MTFs continue to rise, with an estimated rate of new infections of 3-8% per year. Injection drug use is also visible among MTFs, again putting them at high risk for HIV. In a San Francisco study, 18% of the respondents reported non-hormonal injection drug use in the past six months and half of this group shared syringes. MTFs may inject female hormones in order to feminize their bodies, putting them again at increased risk. Transphobia, or the pervasive social stigmatization of MTFs, greatly exacerbates their HIV risk. This intense stigmatization results in their social marginalization, which includes the denial of educational, employment and housing opportunities. It also creates multiple barriers to accessing health care. Such marginalization lowers MTFs’ self esteem, increases the likelihood of survival sex work and lessens the likelihood of safer sex practices. All of this can lead to high rates of HIV, STDs, drug use and attempted suicide. Pre-GRS (genital reassignment surgery) MTFs primarily have sex with men and are likely to engage in receptive anal sex, which puts them at increased risk. Some MTF commercial sex workers are willing to not use condoms with their paying partners if they are offered more money however, some studies show that most unprotected sex occurs with primary partners, not paying partners. Psychosocial factors such as poverty, low self-esteem, depression, rejection, and powerlessness are cited by many MTFs as barriers to sexual and drug risk reduction. For example, many MTFs state that they engage in unprotected sex because it validates their female gender identity and boosts their self-esteem. Commercial sex is largely a means of survival. For many MTFs, securing employment and housing are more pressing issues than HIV and must be addressed before HIV prevention efforts can be effective. Many trans-gender individuals do not access HIV prevention or health services due to the insensitivity of service providers and health care staff or fear of being revealed as transgender.

Special thanks to: Transgender Advisory Committee to the AIDS Office and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, AIDS Office Kristen Clements, Kerrily Kitano, and Willy Wilkinson San Francisco County Jail (San Bruno), Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center, Tom Waddell Clinic And the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at the University of California San Francisco.

Copyright notice: The National HIV Prevention Conference is collaborative effort by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Government agency, and other governmental and non-government organizations. All abstracts published by the conference organizers are in the public domain and can be used without permission. Proper citation, however, is required.

Well, it's interesting that the rates vary so much throughout the country -- 22% in LA to 68% in Atlanta. All are high figures, of course, but still quite a bit of variation.

I suspect most of those in the study were streetwalkers, not higher-end escorts. All of those cities have a large percentage of TS streetwalkers.

[ragendude]

I have been dating TS girls in Los Angeles in San Francisco for more than 15yrs now. Many of them have been "sex workers" especially in the begining. I have many friends, too many friends, that have passed away under the label "complications due to AIDS/HIV infection". Some of them we never knew were infected until they got very sick. With the stigma put on this disease by the government, society in general and especially the ignorant that this is the modern plague and often times people with HIV are treated like lepers, so it is no wonder people with the disease do not reveal the fact that they are infected. If you survived by selling your body for sex and you knew that if you reveal the fact that you have HIV your income would plummet perhaps so much that you would become homeless and an outcast, would you reveal this information?? That is a hard decision to make honestly. We can sit up here on our High Horse of Morals and say "of course I would reveal it" but most of us have no idea what it feels like to be transgendered and maybe even immigrant with no documentation estranged from your family and thinking that prostitution is your only way to survive, I think it becomes a psychological torture within and perhaps these individuals come to the conclusion "Fuck it! It's me or them and I have to survive so I am not gonna worry about it". Maybe that is not right but until something can be done to make services and education more accessible that is how it will continue.
ANd for the people who patronize the "sex workers" one word of advice, many many more girls and guys have this disease than is reported in those statistics, sometimes the person who is infected is the one you would never in a million years suspect, your best freind, your brother or sister, your co worker or boss, your son or daughter, rich,poor, white, black, asian, hispanic, healthy looking people even. Some of the very young (18-23yr old) TS, some of the most gorgeous TS you will see in Los ANgeles, or in the world are infected with HIV (I know they are freinds of mine) so YOU MUST ASSUME THAT EVERYONE HAS HIV and act accordingly with that knowledge if you wish to not become infected yourself . God Bless all of you and take personal responsibility for your action and your life!!

[peggygee]

Co-sign

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/smiley_handsclap1.gif

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/safesexphoto7.jpg

[peggygee]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/safesexchart8x10.jpg

[MacShreach]

Given that an estimated %33 of transwoman are engaged in sex work


Peggy I know that was a while ago but I'm interested to know where you got that stat. Unlike some other respondents I'm surprised the figure is as high as that, at least for the States. I'm not querying you, I'm genuinely interested-- this whole area is very difficult to get good accurate hard data and confirmed stats.

I think this is borne out by observing that the stats in the report originally quoted are 9-10 years old. I'd like to see some up-to-date stats so we can establish what the trends are but there just isn't enough research being done in this field.

[MacShreach]

I would like to say that IMO anyone practising unsafe sex is not only a danger to themselves but a danger to everyone around them. I also notice that recently a new Thailand-based TS website has appeared which features a lot of bareback anal sex. I really can't deplore this enough. This is about vulnerable young women in the Third World, often desperate for money, being asked--sorry coerced--to play Russian roulette with their lives so rich western men can get a thrill. It's disgusting. Human exploitation has not been eradicated, it has simply been exported.

Let's make no mistake about this either: HIV/AIDS has not gone away and though treatment methods and life expectencies have radically improved since the disease appeared as yet THERE IS NO CURE.

BTW MystiqueEvolution it's unacceptable that anyone should be stigmatised because of their gender. FWIW I've seen some pretty ugly things happen when AIDS and ignorance collide and you have my sympathy.


:soapbox

[whatsupwithat]

Since there have been some ignorant ass comments added here...allow me to throw it back at a few of you. If such a large portion of transsexuals are infected with HIV/AIDS...where did they get it from?

:soapbox

I asked the same question above. :)

[whatsupwithat]

I have been dating TS girls in Los Angeles in San Francisco for more than 15yrs now. Many of them have been "sex workers" especially in the begining. I have many friends, too many friends, that have passed away under the label "complications due to AIDS/HIV infection". Some of them we never knew were infected until they got very sick. With the stigma put on this disease by the government, society in general and especially the ignorant that this is the modern plague and often times people with HIV are treated like lepers, so it is no wonder people with the disease do not reveal the fact that they are infected. If you survived by selling your body for sex and you knew that if you reveal the fact that you have HIV your income would plummet perhaps so much that you would become homeless and an outcast, would you reveal this information?? That is a hard decision to make honestly. We can sit up here on our High Horse of Morals and say "of course I would reveal it" but most of us have no idea what it feels like to be transgendered and maybe even immigrant with no documentation estranged from your family and thinking that prostitution is your only way to survive, I think it becomes a psychological torture within and perhaps these individuals come to the conclusion "Fuck it! It's me or them and I have to survive so I am not gonna worry about it". Maybe that is not right but until something can be done to make services and education more accessible that is how it will continue.
ANd for the people who patronize the "sex workers" one word of advice, many many more girls and guys have this disease than is reported in those statistics, sometimes the person who is infected is the one you would never in a million years suspect, your best freind, your brother or sister, your co worker or boss, your son or daughter, rich,poor, white, black, asian, hispanic, healthy looking people even. Some of the very young (18-23yr old) TS, some of the most gorgeous TS you will see in Los ANgeles, or in the world are infected with HIV (I know they are freinds of mine) so YOU MUST ASSUME THAT EVERYONE HAS HIV and act accordingly with that knowledge if you wish to not become infected yourself . God Bless all of you and take personal responsibility for your action and your life!!

Awesome! :claps

[peggygee]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/oldthread.jpg

[qeuqheeg222]

that is a great bump peggy..really laughin on the floor or whatever they say nowadays...