Disproportionate HIV Risk Among Black and Latine Transgender/Gender-Expansive Youth Highlighted

Strategic Insights -

Black and Latine transgender/gender-expansive youth and emerging adults ages 13-24 experience disproportionately high HIV risk in the US, yet have the lowest PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) uptake rates. Research from Columbia University's HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, used structural equation modeling to examine factors related to PrEP intentions among this population. The study found that family rejection, heavy substance use, and perceived stigma were significant factors in PrEP intentions, underscoring the need for strategies to improve PrEP outcomes and operationalizing gender affirmation across settings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that Black and Latine transgender/gender-expansive youth and emerging adults ages 13-24 experience disproportionately high HIV risk in the US, with 69.7% identifying as transfemale and 63.1% identifying as Latine.
  • Heavy substance use behaviors were reported by 50.6% of participants, and family rejection increased perceived stigma, with a significant correlation of 0.209 (SE = 0.050, p < 0.001).
  • Participants were more likely to intend to use PrEP if they reported experiencing less stigma and more social support from family and friends.
  • The study highlights the need for strategies to improve PrEP outcomes, including operationalizing gender affirmation across settings, particularly amid family rejection and heavy substance use.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and the need for culturally competent care to improve PrEP uptake and reduce HIV risk among this population.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from Columbia University's HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, and has been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • 69.7% of participants identified as transfemale.
  • 63.1% of participants identified as Latine.
  • 50.6% of participants reported heavy substance use behaviors.
  • The correlation between family rejection and perceived stigma was 0.209 (SE = 0.050, p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • PrEP Intentions, Heavy Substance Use, and Gender Affirmation among Black and Latine Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis (AIDS and Behavior, 2025)
  • NewsRx. Studies from Columbia University Yield New Data on HIV/AIDS (PrEP Intentions, Heavy Substance Use, and Gender Affirmation among Black and Latine Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 212.