As the two largest HIV donors, GFATM and PEPFAR could have a significant impact in reducing the incredibly high HIV burden experienced by transgender populations in many parts of the world. However, potential barriers exist that could prevent transgender organizations and communities from accessing these funding mechanisms.
On July 23, 2014, a side event was hosted by amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, Global Action for Trans* Equality (GATE), the International Reference Group on Trans* and Gender Variant Communities and HIV/AIDS (IRGT), and the Open Society Foundations (OSF), in conjunction with the International AIDS Conference 2014 in Melbourne. The meeting fostered dialogue between trans* activists and representatives from the GFATM and PEPFAR on effective and concrete ways for trans* organizations and communities to engage in the new GFATM and PEPFAR funding processes, with a particular emphasis on country-level funding mechanisms. The meeting was facilitated by Abhina Aher of the India HIV/AIDS Alliance.