A Gender Affirmative Model of Training and Service Provision Among HIV Service Organizations in the U.S. South.

UNLABELLED: Research on gender affirmative models (GAM) of training and service provision is emerging. This study aims 1) to summarize 2018-2019 survey data on GAM training and service provision at Southern HIV Service Organizations (HSOs) in the U.S. South and 2) identify barriers in the region.

METHODS: Data were collected from Southern HSOs (n=207). Relations between GAM training and service provision were examined through frequency distributions and logistic regressions.

RESULTS: Few (46.6%) received training. Most (73%) used clients' asserted names and pronouns. Only 62% engaged with transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming (TGNC) communities and 55% provided a gender autonomous (i.e., based on self-determination) facility. Gender affirmative model-trained HSOs had at least twice the odds of implementing GAM elements compared with non-trained HSOs. Barriers included funding (61%), expertise/knowledge (59%), capacity/staff-ing (52%), and political climate (23%).

DISCUSSION: This study identifies gaps and highlights the urgent need for funding, training, and meaningful TGNC community partnerships.