Resources for Transgenders

The word “transgender” is used to describe a broad spectrum of identity and behavior. Usually, transgender people have a gender identity that is different from their original physiological and/or psychological status (i.e., as male or female, man or woman). Someone does not have a higher risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because they are of a certain identity or sexual preference. Instead, STD risk is determined by the behaviors that people engage in. Anyone who has oral, vaginal or anal sex, regardless of gender identity or sexuality, can get an STD.

A 2004 report by the National Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health identified 13 disparities in health care for transgender people, as classified within the Healthy People 2010 categories. The risk of STDs and HIV/AIDS infections ranked second on that list. This Web site has numerous STD fact sheets, STD prevention information, help with talking to partners about STDs, and free and low cost testing and treatment resources. Additional links and resources are listed below.

Links and Resources

Transgender Health, Legal, and Policy Information

• National Coalition for LGBT Health
• The Transgender Law Center
• The National Center for Transgender Equality
• Transgender Law and Policy Institute
• The FTM Alliance of Los Angeles
• FTM International
• The Los Angeles Gender Center
• Trans-Health Online Magazine
• Transgender Care
• Transsexual Women’s Resources
• The Gender Identity Research and Education Society
• Medical Therapy and Health Maintenance for Transgender Men: A Guide for Healthcare Providers (Word file)

General STD Information

• American Social Health Association: General STD information and resources, with an emphasis on herpes and HPV), also has lots of condom information.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: General STD information.
• Gay Health.com: Web site dedicated to health issues of gay men.
• STD Checkup: California Department of Public Health Web site with STD information specifically geared for men who have sex with men.

Hotlines

• Los Angeles County STD Hotline:1-800-758-0880 (toll free):
  Offers STD information and eferrals to free and low-cost testing in LA County
  Free condoms by mail (LA County residents only).
  Note: The STD Hotline is available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week via an automated system for clinics and to leave a message for condoms. If you want to speak to a health educator, please call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
• California AIDS Hotline: 800-367-AIDS. Mon – Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 9 p.m. Tuesdays). TDD: 888-225-AIDS.
• CDC INFO: 800-232-4636. STD and HIV information (listen to prompts) - 24 hrs.
• AIDS/HIV Nightline: 800-273-AIDS (2437). Mon - Sun / 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Provides emotional support, information and referrals to people with concerns about HIV during the night when other agencies are closed.
• Drug Treatment and recovery resources in L.A. County: contact 1-800-564-6600 to be referred to resources near you.

STD Testing Resources

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation:  A private non-profit organization providing care to people who are HIV+, as well as prevention and advocacy services to prevent HIV and other STD transmission. AHF operates the Men’s Wellness Center and other STD testing programs.
• AltaMed Health Services: Provides innovative healthcare and human services for under-served communities in the Los Angeles area; operates several medical clinics, and offers HIV/AIDS services, youth services, and drug treatment programs.
• Bienestar: A community-based AIDS service organization with numerous sites serving Latino communities throughout Southern California; STD testing locations.
• Check Yourself campaign website for men who have sex with men: Syphilis-focused Web site has L.A. County STD testing locator by ZIP code.
• InSPOTLA: Tell your sex partners about an STD or HIV through Internet ecards (anonymously if desired):  Also has STD testing locator and additional resource links.
• L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center:  The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center provides a broad array of services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, including HIV and STD testing.

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis B Foundation: Provides educational information about hepatitis B transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, management, new treatments, and clinical trials.
• Hepatitis Foundation International:  Provides educational information about hepatitis including transmission, symptoms, vaccination, treatment, and management of chronic infections.

HIV

• CDC fact sheet on the HIV-STD connection.
• HIV L.A. Resource Directory: HIVLA.org is a quick, easy way to locate services available in Los Angeles County for people with HIV/AIDS. HIV L.A. is organized by category of service and by geographic region and contains over 1,300 listings.

Syphilis

• CDC fact sheet on men who have sex with men and syphilis.
• Check Yourself campaign Web site: Syphilis information and testing in L.A. County.

 
For information on free and low cost STD testing and treatment services in Los Angeles County, call the STD Hotline at 1-800-758-0880 or visit our STD Testing & Services section.

 

Think You Have an STD?

Find an STD Clinic Near You

In Los Angeles, there's an easy way to tell your sex partners you have an STD or HIV. Send them a free inSPOTLA ecard, ANONYMOUSLY or from your email address, right here.

1-800-758-0880

STD information and referrals to STD clinics and HIV test sites in LA County.

Automated, 24 hours
Health Educators available M-F 9am - 5pm (PST) in English and Spanish.

For Schools & CBOs For Individuals