For some time, it had been my intention to begin PrEP as part of my own personal HIV prevention strategy, but like many people in Ireland, I wasn’t 100 percent sure of the process or where to source it affordably. Add my transgender identity to that and I really wasn’t sure where I could attend to obtain a prescription and get accurate, reliable information.
All of this led me to an insightful year of research and learning. I knew that PrEP was safe and extremely effective, and having to remember to take a pill every day seemed well worth it for the peace of mind of knowing I’d be protected from HIV. But most of the discussion about PrEP in Ireland has focused on cis gay and bisexual men. I still had questions, like - how would PrEP interact with my testosterone hormone replacement therapy?
After talking to friends who are on PrEP, joining ACT UP Dublin and gaining information from extremely knowledgeable HIV activists, conversing with the GMHS, and reading a lot of literature, I decided that PrEP was right for me.