Outcomes of a PrEP Demonstration Project with LGBTQ Youth in a Community-Based Clinic Setting with Integrated Gender-Affirming Care
Maureen Connolly, Doreen Dankerlui, Tony Eljallad, Isadore Dodard-Friedman, Amy Tang, Christine L.M. Joseph
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth are disproportionately affected by HIV, and young transgender women (YTW) are especially impacted. The purpose of this small demonstration project was to measure pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence in a community-based clinic for LGBTQ youth in which PrEP services are integrated with gender-affirming care. Of the 50 enrolled participants, 38 had a serum drug assay performed after three or more months and 26% of those had laboratory evidence of highly protective levels of medication. Low adherence highlights the need for culturally tailored follow-up efforts and assistance with the structural barriers to health experienced by LGBTQ youth, especially YTW.