Transgender & Gender-Expansive Sexual Wellness and Health
HIV in Texas
Trans folks live with HIV at more than
the national rate, with Black trans women reported to have the highest diagnoses among trans people
There is a major gap in health data about trans and gender-expansive folks, especially trans masculine people, because of increased scrutiny on inclusive programs and gutting of public health research budgets.
Prevention Tips
Although often overlooked by the healthcare system, trans people have largely the same options as anyone else for their sexual health & wellness. This includes:
Get Regularly Tested
for STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes and knowing your status. Remember that different STIs take time to show up: from a couple days to 3 months after exposure.
Get Pep
for after possible HIV exposure, a pill taken within 72 hours after sex for 28 days.
Check your Hep A & Hep B Vaccine status
Many people get the Hep B vaccine in childhood, vaccines give people between 80% and 100% protection from hepatitis B. People above the age of 18 can get Hep A & B vaccines combined, so check your records! If you can’t find a record of a vaccine, your doctor may recommend revaccination.
Use a Physical Barrier
that reduces the risk of fluid exchange such as condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, gloves for fisting and fingering.
Get DoxyPep
a one-time 200 mg dose after condomless anal, oral, or vaginal sex to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. It is most effective when you take it within 24 hours, but can be taken within 72 hours.
Take Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
For people living with HIV, this is usually an every day pill or an injection given every 1-6 months that can reduce a person’s viral load to undetectable levels which nearly eliminates the risk of transmitting HIV through sexual contact.
Undetectable = Untransmittable!
Use PReP
an ongoing daily pill regime or long-acting shot that provides protection for between 2 to 6 months.
Get Guardisil-9
between the ages of 9 and 45 for lifetime protection for diseases caused by HPV, including multiple types of cancers and genital warts.
Clean
your toys regularly and thoroughly! Physical barriers (such as condoms) can further reduce the risk of fluid exchange.
Communication with your provider and partner(s)
Your health starts with YOU.
Communicating your needs with your provider and partner(s) is essential to maintaining your sexual wellness.
In 2021, the CDC reported that less than 25% of BIPOC people who were eligible for PREP were able to access it, compared to 75% of white people.
Intentional education can help close that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advocating for your Care
TENT provides sexual health and wellness information for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
We encourage community members to advocate for themselves when seeking care. Your primary care provider or a licensed professional should be your partner in making decisions about your health. If you feel unheard or unsure, you have the right to ask questions, seek affirming providers, and seek a second opinions. You deserve respectful, knowledgeable care.
TENT is here to support you, but your healthcare decisions should always be made with a trusted, qualified provider.
If you’re not sure where to start care, here are some organizations providing sexual wellness services in your community.
Resources
Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and virtually across Texas
Austin
Brownsville, McAllen, and Harlingen
Note: TENT is actively working with partners across the state to build out a comprehensive resource list for those seeking resources related to HIV care and sexual wellness.
If you do not see resources listed for your city on this list, please email us at support@transtexas.org and we will do our best to get you connected.