Research Center: The Southern HIV & Alcohol Research Consortium at the University of Florida, and The Health Science Center at the University of Florida
Location: This is a virtual study open to gender-diverse, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in Florida.
Lead Researcher: Robert L. Cook, MD; MPH
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Florida Institutional Review Board [UF IRB: IRB201801680/IRB202200965]

A growing number of people do not identify exclusively with their gender assigned at birth. This includes persons that consider themselves to be transgender, non-binary or one of many other gender-non-conforming identities. Gender-diverse persons sometimes have limited access to healthcare, and many have unmet needs related to mental health or substance abuse. Overall, gender-diverse persons are at increased risk for HIV infection, and many have experienced stigma or discrimination related to their gender identity. When combined, these experiences can be powerful deterrents to seeking treatment and staying in healthcare programs. Despite these challenges, many gender-diverse people do very well, and we can learn from what helps them succeed.

Researchers across the state of Florida want to understand the experiences of gender-diverse people in relation to healthcare. They are especially interested in hearing from persons living with HIV because there is very little information about the healthcare needs of people who are both gender-diverse and also living with HIV. The findings from this survey study will be used to recommend better healthcare services and healthcare policies for people and may benefit others living with HIV, especially in Florida.

• The UF study team will gather information about health services that participants may like to hear about.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit other individuals from gender-diverse communities, including persons living with HIV.
• The findings from this survey will be used to recommend better healthcare services and healthcare policies for transgender and gender non-conforming people, including people living with HIV.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• Participating in this research study is optional -If you decide to participate in the study and later change your mind, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• You can contact the research team by email, phone, or text at any time.

• People aged 18 and over.
• Must be residing in Florida
• Must identify as gender-diverse, transgender, gender non-conforming, or non-binary
• Must be willing to complete one or more online study questionnaires

The UF study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details are:

• Most participants will complete one web-based questionnaire that will take about 15-20 minutes, and some participants may be eligible for additional questionnaires. They can be completed on a phone or computer, or the research team can ask the questions over the phone.
• The surveys will include questions related to gender identity, desired healthcare services, mental health and substance use, stigma and discrimination, and sociodemographic factors.
• The UF study team will do everything possible to protect confidentiality. For many participants, the surveys can be completely anonymous.

This study has two research centers- one at The Southern HIV & Alcohol Research Consortium and the other at the University of Florida’s Health Science Center.

The Southern HIV & Alcohol Research Consortium at The University of Florida (SHARC)
The University of Florida’s Southern HIV & Alcohol Research Consortium is located in Gainesville, Florida. The SHARC has a mission of improving health outcomes for persons with HIV and reducing HIV transmission among at-risk populations in Florida. It is committed to better understanding the healthcare needs and desires of the gender-diverse community.

The Health Science Center at the University of Florida
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is the largest research university in the state. Its research team includes students and faculty from the colleges of medicine, nursing, and public health. Since its founding in 1988, the University of Florida’s Health Science Center has upheld its mission “to comfort, heal, educate, and discover.” The Center provides services to one million people from North Florida to South Georgia.

Please note:
The study will be conducted remotely, which means there will be no in-person visits, allowing you to participate in the comfort of your own home.