Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Trans Populations: Providing Gender-Affirming Prevention for Trans People at High Risk of Acquiring HIV

Transgender (trans) people, particularly trans women of color, face alarmingly high rates of HIV. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily coformulated emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a promising biomedical HIV prevention modality; however, it has not yet been shown to be efficacious in the transgender population due to data limitations. Initial data suggest that barriers exist to PrEP uptake in the trans community, including lack of access to healthcare and concerns about interactions with hormone therapy. This article discusses these factors and reviews considerations for enhancing PrEP uptake and adherence in trans people at risk for HIV.