Grant: Project Grant

In Thailand, as in Canada and globally, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Bangkok, MSM have 100 times higher rates of HIV than the general population, with YMSM (16-21 years-old) at even higher risk than older MSM-among the highest rates of new HIV infections in the world. Despite this, YMSM and YTGW are largely excluded from existing Thai HIV outreach efforts: these primarily target older MSM and TGW at gay bars and clubs, with a minimum age of entry of 20-years-old. Additionally, many YMSM and YTGW do not publicly identify as gay or TGW, and do not feel comfortable using HIV services delivered by gay or TGW community-based organizations (CBOs). This convergence of high HIV risk, lack of access to HIV prevention programs, and lack of evidence to support interventions tailored for these populations, is a public health emergency. The goal of this innovative project is to culturally adapt and evaluate an evidence-based HIV prevention program with YMSM and YTGW in Thailand. We will work with YMSM, YTGW, a Community Advisory Committee, local CBOs and service providers to build on a peer outreach model with demonstrated effectiveness in reducing HIV risk among YMSM in North America, by culturally adapting (such as matching slightly older with younger YMSM and YTGW, more appropriate in Thai culture than same-age peers) and testing the model in Thailand. In addition to evaluating program outcomes, we will use participatory methods, training YMSM and YTGW in digital storytelling to represent their experiences, and share findings with other YMSM, YTGW, CBOs, policymakers and the public in Thailand and internationally. Results from this culturally adapted HIV prevention program will advance health knowledge and health outcomes for sexual minority youth, and support a replicable model for use with other youth in the Global South who are highly impacted by HIV.