Join the ENCORE Study!
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Duke University, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Emory University, University of Miami, and the University of California San Diego are partnering with transgender women and trans-led organizations, The Black Transgender Advocacy Coalition, Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center, and Arianna’s Center to better understand the health and wellbeing of transfeminine people.
Fast Facts
Transgender Women and Transfeminine People
HIV negative
Compensation Provided
Available Remotely, In-Person, or Remotely with Telephone Support
Study Background
Be a part of a health research study exclusively for trans women and transfeminine people.
Transgender women experience a disproportionate burden of HIV in the US. Not only are there the risks of getting HIV, but there are also barriers to HIV testing, prevention, care, and treatment due to things like gender-based discrimination, stigma in healthcare, and safety concerns in public transportation.
In this research study, we want to learn more about the health and wellbeing of trans women and transfeminine people in order to inform multi-level HIV prevention strategies. If you identify as a transgender woman or transfeminine person, and are not living with HIV, you may be eligible to participate from anywhere in the US or Puerto Rico.
Eventually, we hope that the findings from this study can be used to implement more effective strategies to protect trans women from HIV.
Study Background
Be a part of a health research study exclusively for trans women and transfeminine people.
Transgender women experience a disproportionate burden of HIV in the US. Not only are there the risks of getting HIV, but there are also barriers to HIV testing, prevention, care, and treatment due to things like gender-based discrimination, stigma in healthcare, and safety concerns in public transportation.
In this research study, we want to learn more about the health and wellbeing of trans women and transfeminine people in order to inform multi-level HIV prevention strategies. If you identify as a transgender woman or transfeminine person, and are not living with HIV, you may be eligible to participate from anywhere in the US or Puerto Rico.
Eventually, we hope that the findings from this study can be used to implement more effective strategies to protect trans women from HIV.
Additional Information
ENCORE is a study exclusively for trans women and trans feminine people in the US and Puerto Rico. ENCORE (IRB00355445) is led by a team of health, research, and trans-led community organizations, including The Black Transgender Advocacy Coalition, Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center, Arianna’s Center, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Duke University, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Emory University, University of Miami, and University of California San Diego. Our goal is to better understand the social, health, and HIV-related experiences among transgender women and transfeminine people. Participating in the study involves completing a short survey and HIV testing. We offer options to participate remotely or in-person in select cities. We’ll check in with you approximately every 6 months for up to 2 years. Thank you for considering joining us in this important study.
In this research study, we want to learn more about the health and life experiences of transgender women and transfeminine people without HIV. Our goals are:
- Develop and test a hybrid digital cohort model, supported by community hubs, for engaging people who face health, social, and structural challenges
- Evaluate the impact of experiences like mental health, violence victimization, substance use, food insecurity, and housing instability on HIV incidence among a nationwide cohort of transgender women to inform multi-level HIV prevention strategies
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18+ years old
- Assigned male at birth
- Identify as a woman or along the transfeminine spectrum
- Live in USA or Puerto Rico
- HIV negative status
- Speak English and/or Spanish
The entire study lasts 2 years. Visits are every six months for 24 months (5 visits total) from the start date and include a survey questionnaire and HIV test. Most visits can be completed remotely.
We provide the following in gratitude for your time and hopes that this study can be beneficial to you and others who participate:
- Participants are compensated for completing the survey questionnaire ($15) and HIV test ($65), so you can receive up to $80 per visit or up to $160 per year for a total of $320
- List of resources and connection to a national and global locator for gender-affirming services.
- Regular HIV testing.
- Testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections offered for free and outside of the study (i.e., not required for participation) to participants who request the home kits.
- Regular newsletters and other activities to keep you updated and get to know our team.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
No problem! We have options – give us a call and we will find another option for you.
ENCORE always chooses what is most affirming while keeping you safe and respecting your privacy. To respect your privacy, we will ask you for a name for personal communication, and separately ask for a name to be displayed on the kits we mail you. We do not need your legal name or deadname.
Your DNA and blood sample will NEVER be stored in this study. The blood sample is immediately destroyed using formal laboratory processes once the HIV home kit processing is completed by the laboratory.
Team
Andrea Wirtz, Principal Investigator, John Hopkins University
Tonia Poteat, Co-Investigator, Duke University
Andrew Wawrzyniak, Co-Investigator, University of Miami
Asa Radix, Co-Investigator, Callen Lorde Community Health Center
Sari Reisner, Principal Investigator, Harvard University & Brigham Women’s Hospital
Carter Brown, Co-Investigator, Black Trans Advocacy Coalition
Annick Borquez, Co-Investigator, University of California, San Diego
Marissa Miller, Co-Investigator, Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center
Jason Schneider, Co-Investigator, Emory University & Grady Hospital
Allan Rodriguez, Co-Investigator, University of Miami
Arianna Lint, Co-Investigator, Arianna’s Center
Sabriya Linton, Co-Investigator, John Hopkins University