Fig. 1

CBPR approach used in the Botshelo Ba Trans Study. This figure presents a description of the CBPR approach used in the Botshelo Ba Trans Study. Even though the CBPR approach used in this study is represented in a sequence of steps, the basic cycle emphasizes a circular flow, rather than a sequence of steps following on from each other. Step 1 entailed building community engagement and establishing ownership of the study. Activities that inform this step included the following: establishment of a Steering Committee; engaging in social events/activities with transgender women to engage with members of the community; whilst the third activity which was instrumental to establishing ownership of the study was the selection of a name for the study. Step 2 involved engaging with transgender women as cultural insiders. Specific activities that informed Step 2 included having TGW as part of the core research team and essential members of the implementation team and importantly having a TGW as a co-investigator on the study. Step 3 entailed establishing trusting relationships between TGW and researchers. Part of this step involved co-learning and capacity building