HIV/STI risk among Canadian transgender men who have sex with men (MSM)

While important contributions have been made to the growing body of literature on the health of transgender (people whose sex assigned at birth is incongruent with gender identity) men, knowledge remains scare on the sexual health and HIV/STI vulnerability of this population, especially for those who identify as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (MSM). This is particularly important as MSM continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, comprising about half of new HIV diagnoses nationally each year in Canada. The proposed study is situated within a CIHR-funded interdisciplinary, community-engaged, bio-behavioural survey with peer recruited samples of MSM in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. This study will use multiple research methods to address identified gaps in knowledge, examining HIV/STI risk and related outcomes for transgender MSM in Canada. Findings will inform evidence-based and culturally competent transgender-specific and inclusive healthcare, programming and policy and ultimately aim to address health inequalities and improve the health of this population across Canada.