Project Summary / Abstract of Funded Parent Project Abstract Multiple stigmas related to sexuality, race, and HIV infection negatively impact HIV testing, engagement in HIV care, and consistent viral suppression (VS) among young Black or Latino men who have sex with men and transgender women (YBLMT). At present, few interventions have addressed the effects of intersectional stigma among HIV-infected and uninfected populations. In response to RFA-MH-18-606, this study tests whether an online intervention tailored for intersectional stigma amelioration can elicit online social support, promote intervention engagement, and mitigate the impact of multiple stigmas on HIV-related outcomes. We will recruit and enroll 1,050 young (ages 15-29), racially and ethnically diverse men who have sex with men and transgender women affected by HIV across the United States. Using a HIV-status stratified randomized trial design, participants will be assigned into one of three conditions (information-only control, a researcher-driven social network intervention, or a peer-driven social network intervention). Behavioral assessments will occur at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months; biomarkers (viral load) are scheduled for baseline, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is stratified by HIV status and defined as successful engagement in care (consistent VS for HIV-positive participants and routine testing for HIV-negative participants).

Project Narrative of Funded Parent Project Stigma exacerbates the HIV epidemic by negatively impacting the HIV care continuum. Young Black and Latino men who have sex with men and transgender women (YBLMT) face multiple forms of stigma related to sexuality, race, and HIV infection, and experience significant disparities in HIV/AIDS outcomes. Through a three-arm randomized controlled trial, we will assess the ability of social support components of an online, mobile-optimized intervention to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention and care behaviors among YBLMT ages 15 to 29.