By Jose Abrigo, Lambda Legal HIV Project Director
Today marks National Transgender HIV Testing Day, an essential moment to reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that lie ahead in the battle against HIV for the transgender community. In particular, it is crucial to spotlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on the transgender community, especially transgender folks of color.
At Lambda Legal, we recognize that the fight against HIV is inextricably linked with our ongoing battle against discrimination, and we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals living with or at risk of HIV.
The staggering rates of HIV among transgender folks are not merely statistics. They reflect the systemic inequities and discrimination that pervade our society, and underscore a dire public health crisis. This is especially true for transgender women, who are 28 times more likely to live with HIV than U.S. adults overall.
Transgender individuals living with HIV face a multifaceted battle. They navigate a world where transphobia, racism, and HIV stigma intersect, creating barriers that hinder their access to health care, employment, housing, and social acceptance.
HIV stigma remains a potent force that silences conversations, perpetuates fear, and isolates those living with HIV. For transgender people, this stigma is often magnified by transphobia and lack of access to medical care, making the act of seeking HIV-related health care or disclosing their status a fraught decision. The stigma associated with HIV can lead to delayed testing and treatment, increasing the risk of health complications and further transmission.
Lambda Legal is dedicated to dismantling the barriers faced by transgender folks living with HIV. Our work is grounded in the belief that health care is a right — not a privilege — and that ending the HIV epidemic requires a pledge to strive for justice and equity for all, regardless of gender identity or HIV status.
At Lambda we are actively fighting for:
- Anti-discrimination protections: Advocating for comprehensive legal protections that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and HIV status in health care, employment, housing, and public accommodations.]
- Access to health care: Working to ensure that all transgender people, including those living with HIV, have access to affordable, high-quality health care that respects their needs and dignity.
- Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the intersectional challenges facing transgender individuals living with HIV through public education campaigns, aiming to reduce stigma and promote a more inclusive society.
- Supportive policies: Championing policies that promote HIV prevention, such as the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and ensuring that those living with HIV can access the care and treatment they need without fear of discrimination.
National HIV Transgender Testing Day is not just a day of awareness; it’s a day of action. It’s a day to reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the rights, health, and dignity of transgender individuals, particularly those affected by HIV.
We invite the community to learn more about our vital efforts in this space. Another way to take action is to get tested for HIV and share testing resources. Most insurances and Medicaid cover the full cost of HIV testing. To find a testing location, visit HIV.gov. If you are uninsured, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can direct you to the closest available free testing sites.
By working together to end discrimination, increase access to health care, share educational information, and eliminate HIV stigma, we can make significant strides towards a more equitable and healthy future for all.