The State of HIV in Transgender America: Just How Bad is it?

http://www.hivplusmag.com/stigma/2016/2/02/state-hiv-transgender-america-just-how-bad-it

HivPlusMag/01/02/2016

"Transgender and gender non-conforming people have higher risks of contracting HIV than nearly any other group. Trans women of color are particularly vulnerable, with 1 in 2 black trans women and 1 in 5 trans Latinas living with HIV, according to the Transgender Law Center."

I transitioned in the LA area in the mid 80's. I knew far too many of us who died from AIDS. Back then, at least for many, the only source of income was to turn tricks. It was really quite impossible to find work even here in California.

When I moved to the Bay Area (San Francisco and Silicon Valley), things weren't any different. I had an engineering degree and worked my behind off but it was very hard to keep a job due to the you know what past. It was a history that took me years to lose and I pass just fine in public.

I think another contributing factor is that for many of us, GID consumes our thoughts for a great part of our life. It makes it difficult to learn, plan, and execute any plan to be successful. The only goal is to be different than we are.

I am surprised this is still a significant problem... well not so much I guess. Sigh. This is such a difficult deck of cards to deal with. I think that most can't cope well. We didn't get the proper user manual.

Cindi

Hello everyone, I take DDF (disease, drug free) to extreme?  Prior to becoming sexual active, a trans girlfriend put the fear of G-d in me over contracting any type of STD.  She told me stories of beautiful high society transwomen that guys will no longer touch because they acquired an STD.  Even with undetectable HIV no one wants to take the chance with these very pretty women.  Honestly nor would I.

So that said, I only sleep with guys with a verified 'Golden Ticket' to play and even then it's still risky.
Men always claim they are DDF but very, Very, VERY few can prove it.  Most refuse to get tested even after offering to come along with them and pay for it!

I want to have fun, sleep-around but not at the expense of getting sick and ruining my marriage chances.

I post online and carry the following document.  No problem presenting it on demand to a potential lover.
Prefer to be part of the solution rather than be part of the problem.


EOM