Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested in being part of this study, how do I find out if I’m eligible?
Contact us! Go to the contact page and send us your email and phone number. We will follow-up with you.
I know a lot of older trans women who would benefit from being part of this research study. Why are you limiting the study to young trans women?
Young trans women are at high risk of HIV infection. We are following the research agenda set by the Institute of Medicine report in 2011 entitled, "The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding", which highlighted the need for research looking at developmental and lifecourse issues among transgender people, especially among adolescents and young adults. If we can prevent HIV infection among young trans women, then the next generation of trans women who are coming of age will not have to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infection rates. Also, by teaching younger generations of trans women about empowerment (something many of us did not get), these young trans women can later pass this knowledge on to future generations of trans women.
In response to this question, and among other reasons, we have increased the age from 16 to 29.
Do I have to pay for the HIV and STI testing that is part of this study?
No. All HIV and STI testing is part of the study and free (no cost) for all participants.
Why are you only including trans women in this study—what about trans men?
HIV infection rates are very high among trans women. The LifeSkills curriculum was developed by and for trans women to specifically address the sexual health needs of trans women. There is also a need to address the sexual health needs of trans men.
Why don’t I get choose which group I’m in? That doesn’t seem fair.
LifeSkills is a randomized-controlled trial. This is a study design that allows us to establish with a high level of certainty that the LifeSkills curriculum actually causes reductions in HIV risk behaviors. Random assignment is the “gold standard” in research because it helps to reduce bias.
For example, if you could choose which program you wanted to be in, and you chose the LifeSkills group, we wouldn’t know for sure if it was really LifeSkills that worked or if was something about you wanting to be in the program that made it work for you (we call this “selection bias” in research).
At the end of your participation the study (after about one year), we will offer the LifeSkills programs free of charge and you may participate in the program at that time. We want to make sure everyone in the study gets the opportunity to be part of the LifeSkills program, even if they aren’t randomly assigned to the program at the beginning!
If I enroll, when do I know which program I get to be in?
If you enroll, on the second visit, you will find out whether you are randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to the standard of care program, LifeSkills program, or general health promotion program.
Is this a legitimate research study?
This study is approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Fenway Health in Boston and at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. It is also government-funded. So yes, it’s legit!
Is this program going to take the place of or replace other trans services in Boston and Chicago?
No. This research project brings additional opportunities to empower trans women in Boston and Chicago. Our hope is that this program becomes available for people in other cities. First, we need to see if it effective and “works”.
What’s the “big deal” about LifeSkills?
LifeSkills is a multi-site (Boston and Chicago) R01 study which represents the most prestigious research award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There are very few R01 studies funded on transgender health – so this is a big deal!
The goal of the LifeSkills research study is to test whether a unique group program, developed to serve the specific needs of young trans women, will help empower us to gain more knowledge of HIV and develop the life skills needed to reduce HIV risk behavior and prevent the spread of HIV.
What makes this study different than other studies?
We know that trans women are often lumped in with men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in HIV prevention research, which can be very invalidating for our community. This study is focused on trans women only. It also places an important emphasis on empowerment.
Empowerment includes feeling part of a sisterhood of trans women, from many generations, standing in solidarity together, celebrating our beauty and diversity, and knowing that we are worth saving.
Empowerment is so important because our community has faced extreme discrimination, violence, stigma, and gross stereotypes even from within LGBT communities and women’s movements. This study provides participants the opportunity to make positive changes in our own lives, building on the strengths we already have.
