Tooru Nemoto, PhD¹, Don Operario, PhD², Lei Han, PhD², and Hongmai T. Nguyen, BA². (1) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of Califonia, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St., Suite #250, San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-597-9391, tnemoto@psg.ucsf.edu, (2) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94105

Effects of transphobia on psychological vulnerability (suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, and depression) among male-to-female (MTF) transgenders of color were examined. Transphobia was defined as stigma and prejudice against transgender individuals. Seven focus groups (n = 48) and 332 structured survey interviews were conducted based on transgender samples recruited from African American, Asian pacific Islander (API), and Latina communities in San Francisco. Qualitative analyses explored a range of psychological outcomes in relation to sociocultural conditions among MTF transgenders of color; while, quantitative analyses focused on psychological vulnerability, transphobia, and social support. The study revealed overall high levels of depression and significant rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Significant ethnic differences were found; that is, Latinas and African Americans showed higher levels of mental health risk than APIs. Multivariate analyses identified transphobia as the strongest independent contributor to depression, but that support from transgender community could be an independent protective factor against depression. Recommendations for enhancing mental health services specific to MTF transgenders are presented, with examples from our community-based intervention projects to promote physical as well as mental health among transgenders of color.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify the effects of transphobia on the psychological vulnerability of MTF transgenders of color.
• Describe how mental health issues can vary among different ethnic groups among transgenders.
• Develop a community-based mental health intervention for transgenders of color.

Keywords: Mental Health, Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.