Positively Aware Takes a Look at HIV in Transgender Community
Tue. July 1, 2008 12:00 AM by Gay Chicago Magazine
Chicago, IL -
A groundbreaking exploration of HIV in the transgender community heads for newsstands in the July/August issue of Positively Aware magazine. This expanded 64-page issue features an exclusive interview with HIV-positive transgender actress Alexandra Billings, who also appears on the cover. Billings has recently guest-starred on the hit network television dramas E.R. and Grey's Anatomy.
Also included is an in-depth interview with noted transgender health expert and psychologist Walter Bockting, Ph.D., author of several books on the subject including Transgender and HIV.
"This has been one of the single most important issues of Positively Aware in my five years as editor," said Jeff Berry, Positively Aware editor and contributor. "There is such a paucity of research and information that currently exists for the transgender community, specifically as it relates to HIV."
A recent study showed that anywhere from 12 to 28 percent of transgender individuals may be infected with the virus.
"There has been a major surge in primary prevention, which is good, but I think we have to go back and pay attention to the 28 percent who are positive," said Bockting.
Other topics covered in the issue include basic information on hormonal treatment and drug interactions, sexual safety after sex reassignment surgery and transgender sex workers.
The issue also profiles four courageous transgender individuals who share their personal stories of overcoming adversity in the face of HIV.
Positively Aware is an internationally known and respected magazine devoted to HIV treatment and health, has a circulation of 85,000 and is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
For more information, visit www tpan.com.
This article was originally published in Gay Chicago Magazine and provided in partnership with www.gaychicagomagazine.com.
Also included is an in-depth interview with noted transgender health expert and psychologist Walter Bockting, Ph.D., author of several books on the subject including Transgender and HIV.
"This has been one of the single most important issues of Positively Aware in my five years as editor," said Jeff Berry, Positively Aware editor and contributor. "There is such a paucity of research and information that currently exists for the transgender community, specifically as it relates to HIV."
A recent study showed that anywhere from 12 to 28 percent of transgender individuals may be infected with the virus.
"There has been a major surge in primary prevention, which is good, but I think we have to go back and pay attention to the 28 percent who are positive," said Bockting.
Other topics covered in the issue include basic information on hormonal treatment and drug interactions, sexual safety after sex reassignment surgery and transgender sex workers.
The issue also profiles four courageous transgender individuals who share their personal stories of overcoming adversity in the face of HIV.
Positively Aware is an internationally known and respected magazine devoted to HIV treatment and health, has a circulation of 85,000 and is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
For more information, visit www tpan.com.
This article was originally published in Gay Chicago Magazine and provided in partnership with www.gaychicagomagazine.com.