Chem-sex among trans people: a holistic approach
Sexualized drug use, or chem-sex, is associated with a number of health risks, but stigma and criminalization are major barriers to accessing appropriate health and social services. There is emerging research on this complex issue, but the focus has generally been on men who have sex with men.
At the IAS Conference on HIV Science, Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes of TGEU presented a paper on Chemsex among trans people: A holistic approach, which provided insights from a community perspective. Her research provided much-needed data on chem-sex and the trans community, which is vital in developing relevant health initiatives, including harm reduction, psychosocial support, and community-led service provision.
Findings and recommendations from the IAS-Lancet Commission on Health and Human Rights
As the 2023 IAS Conference on HIV Science had virtual sessions, GATE Health Programs Officer, Anil Padavatan, attended as a virtual participant.
In an early morning session on Tuesday 25 July, the IAS-Lancet Commission on Health and Human Rights presented research showing that the criminalization of marginalized groups, such as trans persons, men who have sex with men and sex workers, is endangering progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Professor Chris Beyrer, Director of the Duke Global Health Institute, presented research from across Africa, showing the link between the criminalization of LGBT persons and increased HIV prevalence.
Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman, the Chief Executive Officer of Monash University Malaysia, presented the IAS-Lancet Commission’s recommendations, which include the need for structural solutions to end structural discrimination, partnership between the health field and the human rights movement, and an urgent call to end the impunity of human rights violations against marginalized communities.
Read more about the IAS Conference on HIV Science 2023
