HIV service use among minoritized racial and ethnic transgender and gender non-conforming youth in the U.S South: a qualitative investigation

Transgender youth are disproportionately affected by HIV, particularly minoritized youth in the US south. To understand HIV service use among transgender youth, we interviewed 25 young racial and ethnic minority clients of four southern community-based HIV service organizations (CBOs), and CBO staff (<i>n</i> = 12), about service access and use. Participants were assigned male at birth and identified as female (<i>n</i> = 8), transgender (<i>n</i> = 11) or gender-fluid or nonbinary (<i>n</i> = 6). The majority were Black/African American or mixed race; four were Hispanic or Latino/a. Most were unemployed; nearly half were unstably housed or homeless during the prior year. Four service types were each used by approximately two-thirds of participants: counseling/support, HIV/STD testing/education, pre-exposure prophylaxis education/prescriptions, and transgender-related medical services (primarily hormone provision). Just over a quarter used social services (e.g., housing, employment). Key facilitators to service use included a non-stigmatizing CBO atmosphere, and easy and convenient access. Poor access (e.g., inconvenient hours, location), lack of transportation or parking, social service needs, and lack of money were barriers. Qualitative reports highlighted unmet social service needs, particularly housing, especially for those without HIV. To reduce disparities, HIV prevention for racial and ethnic minoritized transgender youth should simultaneously address hormone provision, HIV risk reduction and social service needs.