The Project

Client-centered, community-based research “with” not “on” transgender communities.

The LifeSkills study is a randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study is recruiting in two U.S. cities: Chicago and Boston.

The purpose of the LifeSkills Study is to assess a group-based program, called LifeSkills, which was first developed in Chicago for trans women by trans women.

The 6 session LifeSkills program aims to empower young trans women by helping us to gain more knowledge about HIV and build the life skills needed to reduce HIV risk behavior and stop the spread of the virus. The program is led by trans women in Boston and Chicago and also includes HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and counseling and assessment visits 4 times over a year-long period.

To test whether the LifeSkills program is effective, this study will compare it to 2 other programs. One program includes HIV and/or STI testing and counseling and assessment visits 4 times a year. The other program has 6 group sessions that focus on nutrition and health and also includes HIV and/or STI testing and counseling and 4 study assessment visits. Study involvement for all programs lasts approximately one year.

Empowering ourselves.  Building community.  Stopping the spread of HIV.

Content approved by Lurie Children's IRB, #2011-14600, LifeSkills, PI: Robert Garofalo, MD