Transgender and non-binary persons and sexual risk: A critical review of 10 years of research from a feminist intersectional perspective. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Schuylenbergh, Judith; Motmans, Joz; Coene, Gily
• Is Part Of: Critical social policy. Volume 38:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: gender identity -- gender perspective -- HIV -- intersectionality -- sex work; Welfare economics -- Periodicals; Socialism -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Social policy -- 1979- -- Periodicals; 361.94105
• DOI: 10.1177/0261018317732478
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-0183

Abstract

Research shows that HIV prevalence in transgender and non-binary persons is extremely high, with prevalence rates ranging up to 52.4% (Edwards et al., 2007). This high risk is associated with a number of (trans-specific) factors, such as stigma, discrimination, normative gender roles, involvement in sex work, a lack of knowledge about safe sex and an inaccurate perception of risk. This article critically reviews the last 10 years of research on transgender and non-binary persons and sexual risk from a feminist intersectional perspective that focuses on gender identity, class, ethnicity and other axes of difference that contribute to the high risk for HIV for (some) transgender and non-binary persons. There appears to be an interweaving of different factors in which the discrimination and stigmatisation of transgender and non-binary persons is central. The limitations and pitfalls of current research are pointed out, and suggestions for policy and further research are made.