6 October 2020 — Founding of Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa (PATHSA), South Africa
Founded on 6 October 2020, the Professional Association for Transgender Health (PATHSA) is an interdisciplinary association for South African health professionals dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and self-actualisation of trans and gender diverse people. The organisation was registered on 3 February 2021.

Mission
To foster supportive environments, advocate for best practices, and drive systemic change that empowers healthcare providers working with trans and gender diverse individuals across South Africa.
Objectives
- Facilitate networks and foster supportive environments for health professionals working with and for trans and gender diverse people.
- Develop, advocate for and promote best practices and clinical resources for gender-affirming health care.
- Encourage, promote, conduct and disseminate research, which is done in a respectful way towards the community, to expand knowledge and deepen understanding about trans and gender diversity.
- Advocate for institutional, policy, and legislative change by utilizing our collective knowledge and expertise.
- Provide education on holistic gender-affirming healthcare promoting the health, wellbeing, and supporting the self-actualisation of trans and gender diverse people.
- Develop leadership skills amongst trans and gender diverse health professionals and promote indigenous perspectives.
- To disseminate awareness around power dynamics that are typically inherent to all healthcare seeker/provider interactions involving people who are part of the trans and gender-diverse communities, to acknowledge the damage that has been done by such dynamics, and to insist that gender-affirming clinicians must take steps to dismantle these typical power hierarchies.
Resources and Publications
- Embracing Diversity, Upholding Rights: A South African Position Statement on Evidence-Based Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Young People, 18 August 2024
- A Brief Guide: Dealing with Anti-Trans Disinformation and Intimidation
Membership
PATHSA provides healthcare workers practitioners and organisations with continuous professional development, peer engagement, advocacy opportunities, and informational services. Join PATHSA as a member here.
Contact
Website
Email: info@pathsa.org.za / secretary@pathsa.org.za
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