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What's Going Wrong With Transgender People and HIVBy Candace Y.A. Montague August 30, 2011
The Center for Disease Control published a report about transgender people and HIV earlier this month. Although it is difficult to collect data on transgender populations, the numbers that have been found are disheartening. There are several obstacles that keep health educators from truly reaching and helping this population. Stigma and discrimination are at the top of the list. In 2009, the CDC found that newly identified HIV infection was at 2.6 percent among transgender people. Further studies showed that nearly 30 percent of transgender women tested positive for HIV. When testing was not a part of the study, only 11 percent of transgender women identified themselves as being HIV positive. In D.C., approximately 14 percent of transgender people are HIV positive. The data collection from this population is incomplete and inconclusive. There are several stumbling blocks when trying to service this population.
What needs to change? Stigma, of course, is the number one issue in this Examiner's opinion. There are too many assumptions being made about transgender people that are simply ignorant. They are not crazy or 'less than' or just a bunch of gay men who dress up like women. Transgender people need to be accepted and respected for who they are (and only they know who they are). Once people stop pointing the finger and laughing then the healing can begin. Transgender people frequently feel forced to contain their personalities and true feelings out of fear. It is this kind of fear that can lead to drug and alcohol abuse. (i.e. I'm not accepted for who I am. People are gonna feel the way they want to feel about me anyway. Why should I value my life when no one else does?) Thus, HIV infections grow. In D.C., there are organizations that help transgender and non-transgender people move towards acceptance and good health. Transgender Health Empowerment, Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League and The D.C. Center. Each of these reputable organizations are accessible and prepared to assist wherever needed. To read the entire report from the CDC on transgender populations and HIV, click here. Recommended reading: Hateful words from D.C. writer keeps ignorance and stigma going What pronoun do you go by? He or she? Get e-mail notifications every time Candace's blog is updated.
Comment by: Susan G.
(Pittsburgh, PA)
Fri., Mar. 2, 2012 at 8:31 pm EST What evidence is there for the statement: "yes there are medical professionals who won't treat transgender people)"? Thank you, Susan
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D.C. HIV/AIDS Examiner  Candace Y.A. Montague Candace Y.A. Montague has been learning about HIV since 1988 (and she has the certificates from the American Red Cross to prove it). Health is a high priority to Candace because she believes that nothing can come of your life if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it. One of her two master's degrees is in Community Health Promotion and Education. Candace was inspired to act against HIV after seeing a documentary in 2008 about African-American women and HIV. She knew that writing was the best way for her to make a difference and help inform others. Candace is a native Washingtonian and covers HIV news all around D.C. She has covered fundraisers, motorcycle rides, town hall meetings, house balls, Capitol Hill press conferences, election campaigns and protests for The DC Examiner.com and emPower News Magazine. Subscribe to Candace's Blog:
Recent Posts:
April 5, 2013 - The Sexual Health Lessons of Tyler Perry's Tempation: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague
March 25, 2013 - Candace's AIDS News Update: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 11, 2013 - Three Condoms Rule No More: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 5, 2013 - HIV Prevention Strategies for Women Proven Ineffective: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague February 8, 2013 - Black HIV/AIDS Awareness: Eight Points to Keep in Mind A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
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