Building upon its successful MSM Initiative, amfAR has launched the GMT Initiative, aimed at curbing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender individuals—collectively referred to as “GMT.”

The new name reflects a more strategic focus for the program and an opportunity to capitalize on recent advances in the science of reducing HIV vulnerability among GMT. It also recognizes that, since its inception in 2007, the program has not confined itself solely to MSM.

Through the MSM Initiative, amfAR has made 184 Community Awards totaling more than US$3.3 million to support 140 frontline organizations serving GMT in 72 countries. As the program evolved, many awards went to groups focusing exclusively on transgender individuals, said GMT Initiative Director Kent Klindera.

“There is a real need for the kind of work the GMT Initiative is funding,” Klindera said. “We’ve already made a tremendous impact through our MSM Initiative, and we hope our new focus through the GMT Initiative will save more lives, change policies, and help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.”

During the XIX International AIDS Conference, held in Washington, DC, July 22-27, Klindera and the GMT Initiative hosted a grantee meeting attended by representatives from more than 25 frontline partner organizations around the world. In the video above, titled “Voices of Change,” several grantees came together to talk about their work and the difference that amfAR’s support has made.