Exploring the Association Between Gender Affirmation and PrEP use Among Transgender Women in New York City

Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women are inequitably impacted by HIV; yet gaps in PrEP use exist. Among a sample of mostly Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women in New York City, we aim to examine whether PrEP use was associated with gender affirmation and the use of gender-affirming health services. We found that PrEP use was more prevalent among those who used hormone therapy and those who had a provider they were comfortable speaking to about gender-related issues. In separate models, these associations were attenuated when adjusting for race/ethnicity, with those who use hormones being marginally more likely to report PrEP use and with Hispanic/Latina transgender women being more likely to have used PrEP, compared to Black transgender women. We found evidence of a potential association between medical gender affirmation and PrEP use. More research is needed to explore the social and structural contexts that are influenced by race/ethnicity that may serve to prevent PrEP uptake.

Automated summary

Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, but there are disparities in PrEP use. A study in New York City found that PrEP use was more common among those who used hormone therapy and had a trusted provider for gender-related issues. However, these associations were weakened when adjusting for race/ethnicity, with hormone users being marginally more likely to use PrEP and Hispanic/Latina transgender women more likely to have used PrEP compared to Black transgender women. The study suggests a potential link between medical gender affirmation and PrEP use, but further research is needed to explore the social and structural factors influenced by race/ethnicity that may hinder PrEP uptake.