Lost in transition: transgender people, rights and HIV vulnerability in the Asia-Pacific region

The Asia-Pacific region is home to a large number of trans people; individuals whose gender identity, and/or expression of their gender, differs from social norms related to their gender of birth. The regional HIV epidemic among trans people is strongly linked to stigma and prejudice. This review, focusing on the literature post-2000, seeks to examine literature on laws, regulations, policies and practices that prompt, reinforce, reflect or express stigma and prejudice towards trans people. It seeks to identify vulnerabilities to HIV and barriers to access or uptake of HIV related healthcare services, and attempts to establish a research agenda aimed at providing the sort of data that will enable a reduction in future risk, as well as better access to treatment, care and support for trans people living with HIV.