title: Understanding sociocultural and psychological factors affecting transgender people of color in San Francisco.
abstract: This ethnographic qualitative study explored the needs of transgender people of color, including biological transitioning issues, gender and group membership identity formation, HIV, and other health issues. The sample consisted of transgender youth and adults of color in San Francisco (N = 43). Data were collected from in-depth interviews with 20 youth and adults and focus groups with 23 individuals. The study focused on perspectives of racial and ethnic minorities from Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, and Latino backgrounds. The medical decision-making perspective was used to gain a deeper understanding of sociocultural and psychological factors affecting transgender individuals of color in San Francisco. The major themes that emerged were gender identity, group membership, transitioning and related issues, sex work, alcohol and drug use, mental health and health care, sense of community, HIV, resources, and other support. Key clinical considerations that health providers can use to improve care of transgender individuals of color are included.
authors.forename: Pollie
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bith-Melander
authors.forename: Bhupendra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sheoran
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheth
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bermudez
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drone
authors.forename: Woo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schroeder
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology*; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001213:Asian / Q000208:ethnology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012495:San Francisco / Q000453:epidemiology; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology