Abstract
Background:There is an urgent need to conduct innovative research on the health needs of populations whose intersecting identities, such as being Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and sexual and gender identity (SGM) persons, put them at greater risk of HIV infection. More so, as important as it is to train on the best practices, it is as important to train aspiring BIPOC SGM scholars in intersectional HIV science so that they can address the HIV-related issues of BIPOC SGM populations.Methods:In line with guidelines to increase diversity in the HIV workforce, we sought to (1) solidify the interest of BIPOC SGM trainees engaging in intersectional HIV science by piloting a 2-week Summer Intensive Program, (2) leverage the relationships and resources of our community partner to enhance our recruitment from HBCUs and MSIs, and (3) identify opportunities for postprogram training and mentoring activities.Results:Our data suggest that participants gained a great deal from the instructional sessions. Participants commented on the quality of the sessions, effectiveness of the instructional faculty, and a confirmed interest in HIV science.Conclusions:We succeeded in promoting interest in and commitment to HIV science among early career BIPOC SGM scholars. An instructional program of this intensity is best suited to those with some experience in graduate school and existing interest in HIV science. As a program serving multiply minoritized populations, clarification of host institution policies and procedures, as well as administrative support, are essential for ensuring a smooth experience for scholars visiting from outside institutions.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S73-S79 |
| Journal | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes |
| Volume | 94 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 1 2023 |
Funding
Supported by the NIH through a supplemental award in 2021–2022 to the District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (P30AI117970), which is supported by the following NIH. Third Coast Center for AIDS Research (P30 AI117943). The authors thank the inaugural scholars of the Summer Intensive Program in Intersectional BIPOC SGM–focused HIV science. They also thank the instructional faculty and staff who contributed to the successful completion of the Program. Thank you to the leadership of the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Well-being, the Third Coast CFAR, and the Southern AIDS Coalition for your support of the Program as well as the District of Columbia CFAR for offering the NIH supplemental award through the CDEIPI Program. This article's content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent their institution's official views.
Keywords
- BIPOC
- HIV
- SGM
- intersectionality
- pathway program
- training
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology (medical)
