Huge elephant in the room.

[rachel89]

Getting infected with with HIV/AIDS is a problem in the transgender community, particularly among the most marginalized members of the trans* community. Let's stop pretending it doesn't exist. It is time to begin to free trans* people from this scourge. the first step is acknowledging that it exists. To my bi/pan/het sisters and my gay/bi/pan brothers, please get tested. There are treatments which significantly extend life span and reduces viral loads to a point which reduces contagiousness while also using condoms. I think this a topic worthy of discussion.

[Dee Marshall]

I disagree. I don't believe there's anything to discuss. A discussion assumes two points of view and I don't see how anyone could hold an opinion different from yours. AIDS is a problem for everyone; gay, straight, cis or trans.

[Ms Grace]

I'm not seeing how anyone is denying the problem exists...??

[Dena]

I told my doctor to stop testing me because I have never been sexually active and I promised him that should I become active I would let him know. I do agree anybody not in a monogamist relationship should use protection, know as much as possible about their partners and be tested. I lived through the sexual revolution before aids and the free spirited open sexual environment of the time is long gone as the results of Aids. Every new partner must be viewed as a possible source of infection and an evening of fun isn't worth the years of taking drugs to stay alive.

[kelly_aus]

There's no elephant in the room.. HIV, along with other STI's, are a known problem in the trans community - particularly among those who are sex workers.

I have regular testing whether I'm sexually active or not. It's just a standard part of my health care plan.

[Dena]

There's no elephant in the room.. HIV, along with other STI's, are a known problem in the trans community - particularly among those who are sex workers.

I have regular testing whether I'm sexually active or not. It's just a standard part of my health care plan.

I was paying out of pocket because my health plan didn't cover an out of system doctor and they didn't have trans friendly doctors I could switch to.

[kittenpower]

As if we are any different than any other demographic.

[rachel89]

Maybe there isn't actually a denial problem, but it seems to be (from my perspective) rarely discussed in the trans* community. a lot of new cases occur in trans women. Issues that could make it more of a problem in the trans community are poverty, discrimination, and some women turning to sex work as a result of being marginalized when other options run out. I think I was probably a little aggressive with that first post, but I was hoping to start a conversation. My intention is to be helpful, but sometimes I can come off as kind of rude.

[Cindy]

HIV in the trans*community is a massive problem. Particularly in 3rd world countries. In my region of the world ANZPATH is working with WHO to assist trans*people in Thailand and the Philippines in particular, many of whom work as sex workers.

Both Governments are keen to help but unfortunately organised crime controlling the sex industry in this countries in particular are a major issue. They are very willing and able to force transwoman into the trade. Of course there is also an active sex tourist industry that supports the problem.

[rachel89]

Cindy, thank you for your response. I think heightened-risk bi/het women and heightened-risk receptive bi/gay men should be using PrEP if medically appropriate.I want this virus gone from the trans* community (and everyone else too) Things are hard enough just being trans, we don't need the virus to make things more difficult.

[JoanneB]

I'm not seeing how anyone is denying the problem exists...??

I am constantly seeing it talked about by TG activist since the sex trade is a major income source for like half of trans people.

I sure miss the good old days when sex would not kill you. Maybe there were some good points about the 60's and 70's

[Rachel]

I am form Philadelphia USA. Here trans are 33% infected with HIV, gay males 20%, males 2%.

Every LGBTI place I go has condoms free and several places have free HIV testing. Washington West (12th and Spruce)William Way, Mazzoni and Philly Aids Thrift (new last week) to name a few.

I know several with HIV and it is sad. We can get meds at cost but a lot of trans have no money for food and meds let alone to buy HIV meds .

HIV is a very serious issue in Philly.

[enigmaticrorschach]

I was actually HIV tested when I first came out to my doctor

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[Cindy Stephens]

I hope it isn't considered hijacking the thread in that this concerns the gay crowd.  I was amazed at the St.Pete FL pride parade where 250,000 turned out.  Mostly a younger crowd.  I am now a lady of "a certain age" and remember well the fear, deaths, and wasted lives from aids.  Evidently, according to the St.pete times, Florida is experiencing a huge increase in HIV cases.  My own county, Hillsborough-Tampa, has experience a 63% jump-from 273 new cases in 2012 to 445 in 2014.  Florida increased from 4593 new cases in 2012 to 5821 in 2014.  I would assume that at least some of these are people falling somewhere under the transgender umbrella. This hardly seems to be only a third world phenomenon (though some parts of Florida could pass for it.)

Evidently, according to the article in Fridays paper, the younger crowd no longer sees it as a deadly disease but  one where you just have to take a pill a day.  The paper interviewed a long term sufferer and it costs him nearly $4,000 a month for drugs.  The drugs themselves cause a their own problems.  The programs and advertising attempting to curb irresponsible (my editorial) behavior has taken a warm and fuzzy approach that may not be working.  I hope that the attempt to be "politically correct" has not taken the teeth from the warnings to be safe and to take common sense precautions.

I had good friends die-slowly-often alone and in poverty.  It hardly seems a fair tradeoff for a night of going bareback.  Yet it seems a choice being made more and more. 

[rachel89]

Indiana recently had an outbreak of 170 cases mostly among injection-drug users in Southern Indiana. Roughly 14% of people who are infected don't know thye are infected. (I'll provide link to the source if you request). It could become a really big problem here in Indiana. I am seriously considering going on Truvada before becoming sexually active with men.

[Cindy]

Truvada isn't protective. I would practice safe sex and if you find a partner you wish to spend time with make sure you are both tested.

One of my labs is the main HIV testing Lab in South Australia, this isn't a disease to think you can overcome. It is a disease you do not want to get.

[rachel89]

i should have qualified that with the use of condoms and testing.