Transgender people, especially young people, may be rejected by their families and find themselves homeless. Male-to-female or female-to-male transgender people may be forced into prostitution to earn a living, and therefore face a high risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Other transgender people may engage in unprotected sex when they are beginning to explore their sexuality in their desired gender. Safe sex is still possible, even in transgender relationships.
Some of us are HIV-positive. If you have been diagnosed with HIV or are living with HIV, remember that it is not a death sentence. Many people live long and healthy lives while living with HIV. Be sure to consider your needs beyond basic healthcare requirements, as each individual has very different needs in terms of support, services, and education. Contact Latinos Positivos Toronto for a list of doctors who specialize in HIV primary care or to learn about all the services in the community that can meet your needs.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refer to various viral and bacterial infections. Some of the most common include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HPV (genital warts), LGV, and syphilis. STIs are usually transmitted during sexual activity, such as oral, anal, and frontal sex. However, some STIs, like genital herpes and HPV, can also be transmitted by touching an infected area with your hands and then touching your partner’s genitals, anus, or eyes. You can have an STI and not know it because you may not be experiencing any symptoms, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have an STI. You should get regular STI testing, regardless of whether you have symptoms. With genital herpes, transmission can occur even when there is no pain or sore present.
The symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can range from bothersome and painful sores (ulcers, lesions, warts) to life-threatening and damaging conditions (neurosyphilis), and having an STI also puts you at greater risk of HIV infection. First, STIs involving the mouth (such as warts, herpes, or other lesions) provide an easy entry point for HIV into the bloodstream. Second, many STIs weaken mucous membranes, allowing HIV to enter the body directly through them. Third, immune system cells that attack HIV are likely to be present in greater numbers at the site of an infection.
It is also important to know that trans people living with HIV need to be aware that some sexually transmitted infections can compromise the immune system, increase the risk of HIV transmission, and contribute to HIV progression.
Talk to your doctor about how often you should get tested for STIs. If you are sexually active or have casual partners, you should consider getting tested for STIs every 3-6 months.
Hepatitis A, B, and C are all viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver. They are transmitted in different ways and can lead to varying degrees of health complications. In some cases, uncontrolled hepatitis can be fatal.
For more information for trans men and for men who enjoy having sex with them, please visit the Queer Trans Men page .
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV attacks and infects the same immune system cells, which are supposed to protect us from disease. These are a type of white blood cells called CD4 cells (sometimes called T cells).
HIV invades CD4 cells and turns them into real factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus. As the virus grows, it damages or kills CD4 cells, weakening the immune system.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
Most people do not know if they’ve been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.
It is estimated that approximately 25% of HIV positive people are unaware they have the virus. Many of these people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or social or economic class can become infected.
Answer the following questions:
• Have you ever had vaginal, anal or oral sex without condom?
• Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?
• Do not have certainty of the HIV status of your partner or if your partner is HIV positive?
• Are you pregnant or are planning to become pregnant?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Do you have hepatitis C virus (Hep-C)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should absolutely get tested for HIV. You can find more information the following pages:
Why should I get tested?
We don’t want to minimize what you’re going through. You may feel that receiving a diagnosis confirming HIV infection is the worst thing that has ever happened to you. Anger, fear, numbness, confusion, depression… these are all natural reactions to receiving news like this.
Don’t try to block these feelings. Don’t punish yourself or feel like you have to be strong. You don’t have to be anything. This is about your life, your body, and your health. Take the time you need to decide what you want to do, and then do it.
But pay attention: After receiving a positive diagnosis, life goes on.
Take a deep breath: Even if you feel alone right now, know that there is a large community in Ontario ready to provide you with information, support, advice, and many other resources.
At Latinos Positivos Toronto, there are men and women who hope to help you combat the fear, ignorance, and prejudice that, unfortunately, still exist in relation to HIV and HIV-positive people.
You shouldn’t face an HIV diagnosis alone. So, no matter what your reservations are, be sure to reach out to us, because we are a community of people living with HIV. Contacting us will be a key step in addressing your emotional and practical challenges of living with HIV.
HIV infection is serious. But today, the outlook for people with HIV/AIDS is better. If you are HIV-positive, there are many things you can do to ensure you live a longer, healthier life. One important thing is to take your medication. Make sure you have access to healthcare professionals who know how to treat HIV. You may want to join a support group. Learn as much as you can about the disease and its treatment. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly—things we should all strive to do.