Founded on 12 June 2023 by Kyazze Arnold and Nyombi Enoch, Kajiado North for Empowerment and Social Welfare Outreach (KNESWO) works with queer refugees, gender diverse migrant sex workers, and trans sex workers. Since its establishment, KNESWO has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of marginalised queer refugee sex workers in Kenya. The organisation has provided critical support through legal aid, mental health services, and community empowerment programmes. Through its advocacy efforts, KNESWO has increased awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by its members and has successfully mobilised resources to create safer spaces for queer and trans sex workers.

Vision

A world where marginalised queer refugees, gender-diverse migrant sex workers, and trans sex workers are respected, empowered, and free from stigma. We celebrate diversity as the strength of our community, ensuring equal access to opportunities, rights, and safety for all.

Mission

To empower and unite marginalised queer refugees, gender-diverse migrant sex workers, and trans sex workers by fostering safety, advocacy, and leadership. KNESWO builds an inclusive community that celebrates diversity in culture, gender, and background, ensuring access to resources, rights, and support.

Goals

• Provide mental health and psychosocial support, including counselling and group therapy.
• Advocate for policy reforms and challenge stigma affecting queer refugee and migrant sex workers.
• Offer legal and protection empowerment for members facing discrimination or legal challenges.
• Facilitate health interventions through access to SRHR education and preventive healthcare.
• Conduct research and documentation to inform advocacy and policy change.
• Build a strong movement for marginalised communities, focusing on leadership and resilience.

Contact

Email: kneswo@gmail.com / consorti2022@gmail.com
+254707480048
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LinkedIn
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Founded in Kenya in 2023 by Sheila Joy, Julie Troca, Brenda and other queer activists, Alliance Trans Shield works with vulnerable trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender diverse and queer individuals, with a particular focus on asylum seekers and refugees. The organisation’s work extends to intersex people and LGBTQIA+ communities with projects specifically addressing trans and intersex needs, centering those most at risk of marginalisation, displacement, and violence. Alliance Trans Shield’s main work is survivor‑led advocacy, digital empowerment, and psychosocial support. They provide safe spaces, amplify voices through storytelling, and build solidarity networks for trans and queer refugees and asylum seekers. They also engage in regional movement‑building, resisting digital violence, and advancing sexual and reproductive health rights. The organisation has not been able to register yet due to transphobic government policies.

Vision

A continent where trans, non‑binary, gender diverse, and intersex people live with dignity, visibility, and justice free from violence and discrimination, and empowered to shape narratives that drive transformative change.

Mission

To harness digital power and survivor leadership in advocating for and empowering trans, non‑binary, gender diverse, and queer refugees and asylum seekers. Through campaigns, storytelling, and community driven initiatives, the organisation transforms digital spaces into platforms of protection, solidarity, and liberation.

Goals/Objectives

• Provide safe housing, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities for queer and trans refugees.
• Build solidarity networks across Africa and the Diaspora.
• Resist digital violence and promote safer online participation.
• Strengthen movement building by connecting organisations and activists regionally and internationally.
• Advance sexual and reproductive health rights for trans and gender diverse communities.

Focus areas

• Digital advocacy and empowerment: Using online platforms to amplify survivor voices and resist digital violence.
• Protection and safe housing: Supporting displaced trans and queer refugees with shelter and psychosocial care.
• Movement building and solidarity: Strengthening networks across East Africa and the Diaspora.
• Sexual and reproductive health advocacy: Promoting access to inclusive health services for trans and gender diverse communities.
• Storytelling and documentation: Preserving histories and lived experiences through blogs, workshops, and collaborative archives.
• Intersectional advocacy: Addressing overlapping issues of displacement, disability, gender, and sexuality in our projects.

Contact

Email: alliancetransshield@gmail.com
+254748092583
LinkedIn
Substack

Founded in Kenya in 2023 by Atwine Emmalia, a transfeminist human rights defender, and other activists (names withheld for security reasons), Action for Trans Refugee Kenya (ATREK) came together in response to the urgent need for safety, support, advocacy and community-led services for transgender refugees, asylum seekers and other gender-diverse people living in Kenya. ATREK is a refugee-led, community-based organisation. ATREK primarily works with transgender and gender-diverse refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people living in Kenya. The organisation particularly supports transgender women and other gender-diverse people who experience homelessness, violence, discrimination, social exclusion, poverty, insecure housing and barriers to healthcare and essential services. The organisation’s work also supports LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers, including people living with HIV, human-rights defenders and other community members facing heightened vulnerability. ATREK aims to ensure that transgender and gender-diverse people are meaningfully included in community responses, advocacy and decision-making.

ATREK works to promote the safety, dignity, health, human rights, inclusion and self-determination of transgender and gender-diverse refugees and other vulnerable LGBTQIA+ people in Kenya. The organisation’s work includes providing or coordinating emergency support, safer-space and shelter assistance, psychosocial support, human-rights advocacy, health information and referrals, community education, capacity building and livelihood empowerment. They also work to raise awareness of the specific challenges faced by transgender refugees and to advocate for more inclusive and responsive services.

At present, the organisation is not formally registered in Kenya. ATREK continues to explore safe and appropriate pathways toward formal registration while carrying out our community work and supporting transgender refugees and other vulnerable LGBTQIA+ people.

Vision

A safe, inclusive and empowered community in which transgender and gender-diverse refugees and other LGBTQIA+ people live with dignity, equality, freedom, security and full access to their human rights and opportunities for sustainable development.

Mission

To build and strengthen a safe, inclusive and resilient community of transgender and gender-diverse refugees through emergency support, protection, advocacy, psychosocial well-being, access to health and human-rights information, skills development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Goals/Objectives

• Promote the safety, dignity, rights and inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse refugees and asylum seekers.
• Support access to safer shelter, emergency assistance, food and other essential needs for community members facing crisis and homelessness.
• Improve access to transgender-inclusive healthcare, HIV-related services, sexual and reproductive health information and appropriate referrals.
• Provide psychosocial support, peer support and community-based responses to trauma, isolation and social exclusion.
• Strengthen awareness of human rights and advocate against discrimination, violence and exclusion.
• Build the leadership, knowledge, skills and capacity of transgender and gender-diverse refugees.
• Create sustainable livelihood and economic-empowerment opportunities that support independence and resilience.
• Build partnerships and strengthen collaboration with local, regional and international organisations working on refugee rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and social justice.
• Ensure that transgender refugees are meaningfully represented in discussions and decisions that affect their lives.

Focus Areas / Projects

• Safe Shelter and Emergency Protection: ATREK works to support transgender and gender-diverse refugees who are experiencing homelessness, unsafe housing, eviction, violence or displacement. The organisation seeks to provide safer accommodation, emergency shelter support, food, basic necessities and protection assistance. Safe shelter is especially important because many transgender refugees face discrimination and harassment when trying to access housing.
• Transgender Health, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: ATREK supports access to accurate health information, transgender-inclusive healthcare, HIV prevention and treatment services, sexual and reproductive health information and referrals. The organisation also supports community members who face barriers to accessing medication, healthcare facilities and other essential health services.
• Psychosocial Support and Mental Well-Being: ATREK provides peer support, community connection and psychosocial support to transgender and gender-diverse refugees affected by trauma, violence, forced displacement, isolation, discrimination and insecurity. The organisation promotes healing, resilience, self-care and supportive community networks.
• Human Rights Advocacy and Protection: ATREK documents and raises awareness of the human-rights challenges affecting transgender refugees and advocate for safety, dignity, equality and inclusion. The organisation also participate in networking, learning and advocacy spaces to ensure that transgender and gender-diverse refugees are represented and their experiences are heard.
• Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment: ATREK promotes skills development and income-generating opportunities to strengthen economic independence and resilience. The organisation’s livelihood activities have included creative and artisan-based initiatives, sewing and bag-making, clothing and fashion-related work, and other community-led economic empowerment projects.
• Community Education and Capacity Building: ATREK provides information, training and capacity-building opportunities related to human rights, health, safety, leadership, community organising and self-reliance. The organisation supports transgender and gender-diverse community members to develop skills and participate meaningfully in leadership and advocacy.
• Community Building, Networking and Partnerships: ATREK works with community groups, service providers, human-rights organisations and other partners to strengthen support systems for transgender refugees. The organisation participates in learning and networking opportunities and collaborate on initiatives that promote inclusion, protection and community well-being

Contact

+254758646254
Email: actionfortransrefugeekenya@gmail.com
Instagram

Founded in Nigeria in November 2022 by Yemi Ogunwa, Positive Champions Health and Empowerment Initiative (PCHEI) works with trans, intersex and gender diverse persons in the fields of capacity building, mental health services, human rights intervention and advocacy, healthcare access and community research. PCHEI is dedicated to advancing health equity and environmental sustainability across Nigeria. Their programmes are designed to empower individuals, transform communities, and inspire positive action toward a healthier, cleaner, and more resilient future. The organisation was registered on 30 May 2024.

Vision

To have a society where indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons, thrive in a positive and inclusive environment, with their health, rights, and well-being respected and protected.

Mission

To champion collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons through advocacy, capacity building, empowerment, mental, sexual and reproductive health service delivery and to create a positive environment for them to thrive.

Objectives

• To advocate for the social and mental health rights and protection of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
• To contribute to the HIV/AIDS response and community mobilization efforts, focusing on outreach programmes and support services.
• To contribute to advocacy in executing laws and policies that protects rights of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons. 
• To collaborate with like-minded organizations to address sexual and mental health needs, empower young community members through skills acquisition programs, conduct and publish research to inform advocacy initiatives for indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons 

Strategic Goals

• To empower indigent, vulnerable and marginalized persons, through education, skill development, mentorship, and leadership training. 
• To influence legislative changes and policy reforms that promote the rights and well-being of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
• To promote the well-being and positive mental health of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons. 
• Actively promoting the inclusion and participation of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons in community and societal spaces, program design, and decision-making processes.
• To conduct research and gather data on the unique challenges and needs of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons, and use this information to inform advocacy efforts and policy changes.
• To foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders, partners, and communities to strengthen the impact and reach of the organisation.

Focus/Thematic Areas

• Comprehensive healthcare: PCHEI collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure that indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons have access to quality and gender-affirming healthcare services. The organisation also conducts health awareness campaigns and provide resources to help our communities make informed decisions about their health.
• Mental health and psychosocial support: The organisation offers counselling and support groups and provides sensitisation around the recognition and destigmatisation of mental health issues within the communities they serve.
• Advocacy and human rights: PCHEI engages in targeted advocacy campaigns, lobbying efforts, and policy analysis to challenge discriminatory practices, social and climate injustice, and promote inclusive policies. The organisation aims to influence legislative changes that enhance the rights and well-being of our communities. PCHEI conducts public awareness campaigns and training programs to combat stigmatisation and prejudice, as well as strives to foster a society that respects and embraces diversity.
• Community research: The organisation conducts esearch to gather data on the unique challenges and needs of gender and sexual minorities and women. This research informs PCHEI’s advocacy efforts and helps them shape policies that benefit the communities they serve. They also publish research findings and share the knowledge they’ve gathered.
• Human rights and gender-based violence intervention: PCHEI focuses on sensitisation and provides paralegal services.
• Sexual and reproductive health: PCHEI provides safe and inclusive services and sexual health workshops.
• Capacity building and empowerment: PCHEI offers a range of educational programmes, workshops and vocational training. They also connect individuals with mentors and networks to facilitate personal and professional growth.

Contact

Website
Email: positivechampionsinitiative@gmail.com
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X/Twitter
TikTok

Videos and Reports by PCHEI

Watch this video by PCHEI on what it’s like to be a trans woman in Nigeria:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bbbo2jRQ9Vf2Jfnl3NoFVuHsRS4w3RXr/viewRead PCHEI’s Project Impact Report

Read the Intersex Awareness in Ogun State, South Western Nigeria: Perspectives From Health Workers and the General Population, compiled by PCHEI.

Founded in Nigeria in March 2022, Supporting Trans, Intersex, and Gender Non-Conforming People Initiative (STAG) was initially a peer-support, community organising and safe space network for trans, intersex, gender diverse and gender non-conforming people from around 2018/2019. STAG Initiative works with womxn, trans, intersex, gender-diverse, gender non-
conforming people, and other underserved LGBTQI+ community members in Nigeria. The network was begun by Kelsey Brookes, Claudia, and Gloria Henshaw (Juniper), and 16 other trans, intersex, gender diverse and LGBQ+ community members. The organisation’s work particularly centres people who experience multiple layers of exclusion, including trans women, trans men, intersex persons, gender-diverse persons, LGBTQI+ youth, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), people living with HIV, sex workers, displaced persons, and community members facing homelessness, family rejection, violence, health exclusion, and legal insecurity.

STAG Initiative works at the intersection of advocacy, empowerment, safety, health justice, and human rights for womxn, trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming people in Nigeria. Their main work includes crisis response, safe housing support, gender-based violence response, legal and psychosocial referrals, SRHR and HIV-related advocacy, community documentation, leadership development, movement building, and policy advocacy. They also create safe spaces where community members can access care, information, support, and collective power. STAG was born out of a deep collective frustration with the violence and discrimination faced by the communities mentioned above, and their work is rooted in ensuring that no one is left behind or erased. STAG advocates for justice, provides safe spaces and services, supports GBV survivors, strengthens community-led crisis response, empowers marginalised communities, and challenges the systems that produce violence, exclusion, and discrimination. STAG was registered in 2025.

Vision

A society where everyone, including trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming people, can thrive and have full access to comprehensive healthcare, education, and empowerment, when they want it and how they want it. A future where no one has to hide who they are, explain their existence, or negotiate their dignity before accessing care, safety, education, or opportunity.

Co-founder, Kelsey Brookes says,

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive spaces and drive systemic change to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender identity, can thrive and be treated with dignity and respect.”

Source: https://www.vitalvoices.org/fellow/kingsley-kalu/

Mission

To create an inclusive society where anyone, regardless of gender identity, can live freely and safely.

Goals/Objectives

• Promote the safety, dignity, and human rights of trans, intersex, gender-diverse, gender non- conforming people, and other underserved LGBTQI+ communities in Nigeria.
• Provide crisis response, safe housing, psychosocial support, legal referrals, and survivor-centred care for community members facing violence, homelessness, family rejection, or insecurity.
• Advance access to inclusive healthcare, SRHR services, HIV prevention, treatment literacy, and gender-affirming information and support.
• Strengthen community leadership, especially among trans, intersex, and gender-diverse young people.
• Document community experiences, rights violations, movement histories, and evidence for advocacy and policy change.
• Build solidarity across generations so that older and younger trans, intersex, and gender-diverse activists can share knowledge, context, experience, strategies, and skills.
• Advocate for laws, policies, systems, and services that respect bodily autonomy, inclusion, safety, and justice.

Focus areas

• Crisis Response and Safe Housing — STAG supports trans, intersex, gender-diverse, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQI+ community members experiencing violence, homelessness, family rejection, threats, forced displacement, or urgent safety needs. This includes safe housing, emergency relocation support, case management, and referral coordination.
• Gender-Based Violence and Legal Protection — STAG provides survivor-centred support for community members affected by gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, blackmail, family violence, public harassment, and rights violations. The organisation also supports referrals to legal, psychosocial, and protection services.
• SRHR, HIV, and Health Justice — STAG advocates for access to inclusive healthcare, HIV services, SRHR information, treatment literacy, mental health support, and gender-affirming care information. Their work responds to the
  exclusion of trans, intersex, and gender-diverse people from mainstream health systems.
• Trans and Intersex Movement Building — STAG creates safe spaces for leadership development, peer learning, advocacy training, and community mobilisation. The organisation is particularly interested in strengthening intergenerational learning within the trans and intersex movement, because of the widening gap between older and younger activists. This gap is leading to the loss of knowledge, political context, lived experience, advocacy skills, and movement memory.
• Documentation, Research, and Data-Driven Advocacy — STAG documents lived realities, human rights violations, health access barriers, and community histories. The organisation uses evidence to support advocacy, policy engagement, donor engagement, and movement learning.
• Climate Justice and Social Protection — STAG integrates gender and climate justice by recognising how crisis, flooding, displacement, poverty, and environmental insecurity affect trans, intersex, gender-diverse, and other
  marginalised communities.
• Economic Empowerment and Education — STAG supports access to skills, education, empowerment opportunities, and leadership pathways for underserved community members.

Contact

Email: info@staginitiative.org / tgnpn.ng@gmail.com
+2348137760417
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Instagram
X (Twitter)
TikTok
YouTube

Founded on 3 February 2022, Hope Trans Initiative is non-profit advocacy organisation founded by trans individuals who had the passion and desire to support intersex, trans and gender non-conforming (ITGNC) people to gain access to affirming care and equal opportunities. The organisation was founded as a support group by Faith Blessing, Beryl Achieng, Brian Muchere, Vicky Masinde and Rinah Olukusi due to lack of an inclusive organising within Kenya for rural and peri-urban areas along the coast of Kenya in Mombasa County that could provide safe spaces, gender-affirming services and advocate for ending the injustices that this segment of the community face. The organisation is registered, but not as an LGBTQIA+, trans or intersex organisation due to government regulations.

Country Context

The support group was formed to support ITGNC persons that were vulnerable to lack of safety and security, and further exploitation based on the myths around homosexuality and its relation to gender identity. According to Hope Trans Initiative, homosexuals and gender variant people in Kenya, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas,

“are largely depicted as a taboo, curse, devil worshippers and repugnant to the culture of our society with majority being denied their right to an identity, suffer stigma and discrimination and sexual violation and social marginalization. This has kept them from socializing and being active members of the community thus hindering the development of self-confidence, and in-turn leading to social anxiety and depression.

Specifically, within healthcare setting, medical professionals, directly and indirectly, discriminate against ITGNC persons by miss-gendering individuals, breaking confidentiality at facilities, and asking intrusive questions. On the other hand, affirming health care for intersex, transgender and gender nonconforming persons is unavailable while at the same time, sex reassignment and HIV programming rarely considers the situation of ITGNC persons. Additionally, ITGNC persons within coastal region face wide spread of violation spanning from arbitrary arrest and detention, humiliating body checks and frisking to determine one’s biological sex, false accusation of intent to impersonate of false pretense as our physical anatomy might not match our gender expression and identity and by virtue of having bodies that often fall outside of the culturally accepted norms.”

Vision

A resilient and vibrant society committed to equality, diversity and inclusion irrespective of sexual and gender orientation.

Mission

To foster a sense of belonging to eliminate all forms of inequalities through integrated programmes, with the emphasis being on gender affirming, establishing a safe space, providing training and advocacy, awareness raising and sensitisation and, psycho-social support and stakeholder’s engagement to enhance a society committed to equity, diversity and inclusion for holistic empowerment and social change.

Goals/Objectives

• To provide holistic, effective and reliable care and support for ITGNC persons within the Kenyan coastal region, spanning from safe spaces, psycho-social support, and ITGNC-friendly counselling services.
• To advocate for the human rights of ITGNC people and change the attitudes of the society towards sexual and gender minorities to end stigma, discrimination and all forms of violence and social marginalisation against sexual and gender minorities that deny these communities an opportunity to live dignified lives to their full potential.
• To galvanise a sustainable, self-sufficient and resilient movement of ITGNC people to promote access to gender-affirming healthcare services.
• To step in the gap of other similar organisations that overlook rural and per-urban coastal regions and to advocate for the rights and equal treatment of ITGNC
  persons who have had lived experience of deeply rooted stigma, rights violation and social exclusion in order to promote the overall well-being through psychosocial and socio-economic empowerment.
• To provide a platform for ITGNC persons to assert their power in numbers energy and imagination to transform society to be a beacon of hope for all its people and to build a better society.

Programmatic Areas

• Advocacy: Facilitate advocacy campaigns to advocate for the fundamental needs of ITGNC persons and to send an unambiguous message to the communities they serve that all humans, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, deserve the same respect, protection, and realisation of their rights while challenging existing power struggles to improve care, demand resources and influence policies wherever they are needed as we remain open to equality, diversity and at the same time safeguarding confidentiality and lobbying for institutional policy changes so that they remain resolute in advancing justice, often in the face of ongoing violence, inequity, and exclusion.
• Psycho-social support: Provide access to competent psycho-social support for ITGNC persons within the Kenyan coastal region through counselling, formation of mentorship and support groups that are specific to the needs of ITGNC persons, support provision of access to psychiatric care
  and rehabilitation, and facilitating a holistic approach to mental and broader individual well-being that enables a healthy environment for an individual to manage normal stressors of life and identify positive coping mechanisms.
• Awareness building and sensitisation: To increase awareness and understanding of ITGNC people and share knowledge to empower the community and to help service providers, professionals, families and the public to better understand ITGNC needs.
• Safety and security: To reduce violence against ITGNC within coastal region through community-led safety initiatives focused on improving conditions for people most affected by systemic violence and discrimination within ITGNC communities, based on their sexual and gender orientation/expression. On the other hand, we work to increase ITGNC affirming protections that promote full inclusion and equal opportunity while increasing social inclusion and public support for the ITGNC community.
• Organisational system strengthening: aimed at building a strong, dynamic, resilient institution that is effective and efficient in delivering its mandate.

Contact

Email: hopetransinitiative@gmail.com
Facebook

Founded in Nigeria on 13 January 2022 by Mx Rihanna Savage, Nuchi Nweneka, Mathew and Peyton Ageless, Harmony Caregivers Foundation (HCF) is a trans-led feminist organisation in South-West Nigeria working to advance the rights, health, safety, and socioeconomic wellbeing of marginalised communities, particularly transgender, intersex, gender-diverse persons, women, and young people. HCF focuses on policy reforms, advocacy, human rights and sexual and reproductive heath service delivery for trans, intersex and gender diverse people in Nigeria. HCF is a safe haven and a voice for the voiceless, turning vulnerability into strength and isolation into community. The organisation was registered in 2023.

Vision

To have a society where indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons thrive in a positive and in an inclusive environment with their health, rights and well-being respected and protected.

Mission

To create an enabling environment where all marginalised persons regardless of behaviours can be free of discrimination, stigma, molestation, harassment, rape and gender dysphoria through strong and visible activism, advocacy, sensitisation, awareness campaigns, empowerment, mental, sexual and reproductive heath service delivery, seminars and capacity building workshops, for all to grow and thrive.

Goals/Objectives

• Protect trans individuals from gender-based violence and discrimination.
• Provide mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) tailored to their unique experiences.
• Empower trans persons through skills training, economic opportunities, and leadership development.
• Amplify trans voices and advocate for legal recognition and human rights.

Focus areas

• Gender-based violence (GBV/SGBV) prevention and response
• Case management, referrals, psychosocial support, survivor-centered services, and advocacy to address violence affecting trans, intersex, and gender-diverse persons.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• Access to inclusive SRHR information and services, HIV prevention, reproductive health education, and rights-based advocacy through initiatives such as IGE-SRH.
• Mental health and ssychosocial support (MHPSS)
• Trauma-informed counselling, peer support groups, safe spaces, and mental wellbeing interventions for marginalised populations.
• Advocacy, human rights, and policy reform
• Community mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, strategic advocacy, and policy reform efforts to promote equality, dignity, and protection of LGBTQIA+ persons.
• Economic empowerment and livelihoods
• Skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, social enterprise development, and economic inclusion programmes for vulnerable populations.

Trans and intersex-focused projects

Through these programmes, HCF works to reduce violence, improve health outcomes, strengthen community resilience, and promote the full inclusion and dignity of transgender, intersex, and gender-diverse persons in Nigeria:

• A member of the QuestPro Women Foundation Initiative: a Pan African organisation focused on the protection and preservation of human rights of all persons. Harmony Caregivers Foundation has worked with QuestPro women Foundation since 2025 to provide GBV/SGBV, MHPSS, Storytelling and Legal Services for marginalised women in all diversities (Trans, Intersex and Gender-diverse persons included). These communities lacked this services and it has greatly affected the inclusion, development, growth and participation of the community and the general society at large.
• Supports transgender, intersex, and gender-diverse persons affected by GBV/SGBV through case management, legal referrals, MHPSS, emergency support, and community-led advocacy. IGE-SRH Project
• Strengthen access to inclusive SRHR information and services for trans, intersex, and gender-diverse persons while advancing advocacy and policy reforms that address barriers to healthcare and human rights.
• Community safe space and leadership programmes
• Provide mentorship, leadership development, rights awareness, and peer-led support for transgender, intersex, and gender-diverse community members.
• Safety and security for trans, intersex and gender-diverse persons in Nigeria
• Mapping of hotspot or dangerous areas where trans, intersex and gender-diverse persons are commonly kitoed (harrassed, kidnapped, harmed) and how to mitigate this danger and apprehend the culprits.

Contact

Email: Harmonycaregiversfoundation@gmail.com
+2347051690993 / +2348159361075
Instagram
YouTube

Founded in Nasarawa State, Nigeria in April 2021 by Lashawn Samuel, Dreams Liberation provides services to trans and gender diverse people, and specifically trans women as they suffer most from violence, stigma and discrimination in Nigeria. Dreams Liberation’s work entails, among other projects, advocacy with stakeholders regarding policy change, and public sensitisation to create an inclusive society for trans people in Nigeria.

Vision

For trans and gender diverse people in Nasarawa State Nigeria to live with dignity, safety, voice, and stronger collective power.

Mission

To promote the safety, dignity, rights, and inclusion of trans and gender-diverse people through community support, advocacy, and leadership development.

Goals

To strengthen the protection, inclusion, visibility, and well-being of trans and gender diverse communities through

• community organising,
• peer support,
• advocacy,
• issuing documentation,
• partnership-building, and
• leadership development.

This includes identifying risks early, responding to misinformation and stigma, supporting individuals facing exclusion or violence, and creating safer pathways to services, protection, and solidarity.

Focus areas

The organisation’s current activities focus on community organising, peer support, advocacy, issue documentation, and relationship-building with trusted partners. These efforts help identify risks early, respond to misinformation and stigma, support people facing exclusion or violence, and create safer pathways to services and solidarity. In the next phase, the organisation aims to deepen this work through more structured community engagement, protection-minded advocacy, stronger documentation of anti-gender trends, and leadership development for trans organisers.

Contact

Email: dreamsliberationdirector@gmail.com
+2348077010785
Facebook

Founded in Namibia in March 2021 by Miss Mavis Dash, Gigi Has Arrived and Mo’Nick Critique, Drag Night Namibia is an LGBTQI+ arts and community organisation that uses drag, performance, music, fashion, and ballroom culture as tools for visibility, empowerment, advocacy, and social inclusion. The organisation creates safer and affirming spaces for queer creatives and community members through live events, workshops, artistic development programmes, and regional collaborations. The organisation works with queers, allies and cisgender heterosexual Namibians and World Citizens, and the movable middle.

Its core work includes:

• Producing drag shows, ballroom/vogue events, and queer-centred cultural programming;
• Supporting emerging LGBTQI+ performers, artists, DJs, designers, and entertainers through mentorship and performance opportunities;
• Using artistic activism to challenge discrimination and increase LGBTQI+ visibility in Namibia and across Southern Africa;
• Facilitating workshops and skills-development initiatives in areas such as performance, makeup artistry, fashion, MCing, and creative production;
• Building regional and international partnerships that strengthen queer artistic exchange and transnational solidarity;
• Creating community-driven platforms that promote dignity, inclusion, mental wellbeing, and creative expression for LGBTQI+ individuals.

Through projects such as Drag & Vogue Beyond Borders, Drag Night Namibia has also expanded its work into regional advocacy, international cultural exchange, and cross-border collaboration, positioning drag and ballroom culture as important tools for storytelling, resistance, and community-building in Africa.

The organisation is registered in Namibia and is currently led by Rodelio Lewis aka Miss Mavis Dash, Founder and Co-CEO, and Lize Ehlers aka DJ Rise Elders Co-CEO & Technical Director Drag Night Namibia.

Vision

The vision of Drag Night Namibia is to build a vibrant, inclusive, and empowered society where LGBTQI+ individuals, especially queer artists and performers, are free to express themselves safely, authentically, and creatively without fear of discrimination or exclusion. The organisation envisions a Namibia, and broader African creative landscape where drag, ballroom, and queer artistic expression are recognised as powerful forms of culture, storytelling, activism, and community healing. Through artistic excellence, visibility, and regional collaboration, Drag Night Namibia aims to create sustainable platforms that uplift LGBTQI+ voices, celebrate diversity, and inspire social change across communities and borders.

Mission

The mission of Drag Night Namibia is to create safe, inclusive, and empowering platforms for LGBTQI+ individuals through drag, ballroom, music, fashion, and performance arts, while advancing visibility, dignity, community wellbeing, and artistic freedom in Namibia and beyond. A central part of the organisation’s mission is to expand economic access and inclusion for queer performers and creatives who have historically faced discrimination, unemployment, exclusion, and limited professional opportunities. Drag Night Namibia works to ensure that artists are not only celebrated culturally, but are also able to access paid performance opportunities, professional development, mentorship, regional collaborations, and sustainable creative income streams.

Through events, workshops, partnerships, productions, and advocacy initiatives, the organisation seeks to:

• Develop and promote LGBTQI+ talent;
• Create pathways toward financial empowerment within the creative industry;
• Support entrepreneurship and artistic careers for queer creatives;
• Build sustainable platforms where performers are compensated fairly and professionally;
• Strengthen representation and ownership of queer African narratives within arts and culture spaces.

By combining artistic activism with economic empowerment, Drag Night Namibia aims to contribute toward a more inclusive creative economy where LGBTQI+ performers can thrive both socially and financially.

Main objectives

The goals and objectives of Drag Night Namibia are centred around artistic empowerment, LGBTQI+ visibility, community development, and economic inclusion through creative expression and performance culture.

Key goals and objectives include:

1. To create safe and inclusive spaces
   Establish affirming environments where LGBTQI+ individuals can freely express themselves through drag, ballroom, music, fashion, and performance arts without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
2. To increase LGBTQI+ visibility and representation
   Promote positive and authentic representation of queer identities in Namibia and across Africa through public performances, cultural programming, media engagement, and artistic activism.
3. To support artistic and professional development
   Provide mentorship, training, workshops, and performance opportunities that strengthen the creative, technical, and leadership skills of emerging and established queer artists.
4. To advance economic empowerment for performers
   Create pathways for LGBTQI+ creatives to access paid opportunities, sustainable income streams, entrepreneurship, and professional growth within the arts and entertainment industries.
5. To strengthen drag and ballroom culture in Namibia
   Preserve, develop, and celebrate drag and ballroom as important forms of African queer cultural expression, storytelling, and community-building.
6. To build regional and international partnerships
   Foster collaborations with organisations, festivals, activists, artists, and cultural institutions that support cross-border solidarity, exchange, and advocacy.
7. To use art as a tool for advocacy and social change
   Challenge stigma, discrimination, gender-based exclusion, and harmful social narratives through creative expression, dialogue, and community engagement.
8. To empower LGBTQI+ youth and marginalised communities
   Support young queer people and vulnerable creatives by creating opportunities for participation, leadership, confidence-building, and belonging within creative spaces.
9. To contribute toward a more inclusive creative industry
   Advocate for greater access, recognition, and fair treatment of LGBTQI+ artists within Namibia’s cultural, entertainment, and creative sectors.
10. To create sustainable community-driven programming
    Develop long-term artistic and community initiatives that continue to uplift queer voices, strengthen networks, and promote collective wellbeing across Namibia and the region.

Focus areas

The focus and thematic areas of Drag Night Namibia centre on LGBTQI+ visibility, artistic activism, creative empowerment, community wellbeing, and economic inclusion through drag, ballroom, music, fashion, and performance culture.

1. Drag and Performance Arts Development

Drag Night Namibia creates platforms for drag artists, performers, DJs, vocalists, and entertainers to showcase and develop their talents through live productions, competitions, showcases, and mentorship initiatives. These programmes strengthen professional opportunities for LGBTQI+ creatives while increasing queer representation within Namibia’s arts sector.

2. Ballroom and Vogue Culture

The organisation actively supports the growth of ballroom and vogue culture in Namibia by creating learning spaces, performance opportunities, workshops, and regional exchange programmes connected to the African ballroom community. This work promotes self-expression, confidence-building, identity affirmation, and community solidarity among queer youth and performers.

3. LGBTQI+ Visibility and Advocacy

Through artistic activism, public engagement, storytelling, and cultural programming, Drag Night Namibia challenges discrimination and promotes greater social inclusion for LGBTQI+ individuals. Performances and public events are used as tools for dialogue, awareness-building, and human rights advocacy.

4. Economic Empowerment and Creative Inclusion

A major focus area is creating economic access for LGBTQI+ performers and creatives who often face barriers to employment and financial stability. The organisation provides paid performance opportunities, skills development, mentorship, production experience, and access to regional and international artistic networks.

5. Youth Development and Skills Training

Drag Night Namibia facilitates workshops and educational programmes focused on MCing, makeup artistry, lip-sync performance, fashion design, stagecraft, music, branding, and creative entrepreneurship. These initiatives help emerging artists develop both artistic and professional skills.

6. Regional and International Cultural Exchange

Through projects such as Drag & Vogue Beyond Borders, the organisation builds partnerships with regional and international LGBTQI+ organisations, festivals, artists, and advocacy spaces. These collaborations strengthen transnational solidarity and increase visibility for Namibian queer creatives globally.

Trans and gender-diverse inclusion

Drag Night Namibia is deeply committed to creating affirming and empowering spaces for trans and gender-diverse performers within Namibia’s LGBTQI+ community. Trans artists continue to play a central role in the organisation’s programming, leadership, and visibility efforts.

Notable trans and gender-diverse performers within the Drag Night Namibia community include Coco, Miss Diamond and Queen Cleopatra. These artists have contributed significantly to the growth of drag and ballroom culture in Namibia through performance, mentorship, representation, and community engagement. Their participation within Drag Night Namibia initiatives has helped increase visibility for trans performers while challenging stigma and exclusion faced by gender-diverse individuals in both artistic and public spaces.

The organisation continues to prioritise inclusive participation, safer creative spaces, leadership opportunities, and professional development pathways for trans performers as part of its broader commitment to dignity, representation, and equality within the arts and entertainment industry.

Contact

dragnightnam@gmail.com
Facebook
Instagram

Watch our interview with Drag Night Namibia founders, Rodelio Lewis aka Miss Mavis Dash, Founder and Co-CEO, and Lize Ehlers aka DJ Rise Elders, 12 June

Drag Night Namibia in the media

Founded in March 2021 by co-founder Mogomotsi Nelly Thobega and Sputla Mogorosi, Botswana Trans Initiative (BTI) began its journey in as a small, grassroots support group for transgender and gender-diverse persons in Botswana. With a deep commitment to human rights and social justice, sought to create a safe and inclusive space for people navigating the challenges of being trans in a largely conservative society. Recognising the urgent need for a more unified and structured approach to addressing the systemic barriers faced by the trans and gender-diverse community, the founders quickly began building a collective movement.

Over time, the support group grew, with more individuals joining in search of solidarity, understanding, and advocacy. This growth underscored the profound need for an organised platform that could not only support trans and gender-diverse persons but also challenge the societal and legal frameworks that perpetuate discrimination and exclusion. In February 2024, this vision came to life when the organisation was officially registered, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward building a safer and more inclusive Botswana for transgender and gender-diverse persons.

Vision

By 2036, a Botswana where trans and gender diverse persons live in dignity and self-determination, with full access to their human rights, services and protected livelihoods.

Mission

To advance equity dignity, recognition and acceptance of trans and gender diverse people in Botswana through social justice advocacy and with an intersectional human rights approach.

Goals

• To advance the human rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Botswana by advocating for their protection and inclusion in all areas of society, raising public awareness, and influencing public policy to eliminate discrimination and fostering dignified livelihoods and ensure equity.
• To achieve comprehensive legal reforms in Botswana that protect and promote the rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, including the drafting, passage, and implementation of anti-discrimination laws and policies that ensure equal treatment under the law.
• To build a strong, cohesive, and resilient movement for transgender and gender-diverse rights in Botswana by empowering individuals, fostering leadership, and creating networks that can effectively advocate for change at both the local and national levels.
• To enhance the understanding of transgender and gender-diverse issues in Botswana by conducting and disseminating research, collecting data, and producing knowledge that informs advocacy, policy-making, and public awareness efforts.

Contact

+267 72448933
Email: botswanatransinitiative@gmail.com
Facebook

Watch our interview with co-founder, Sputla Mogorosi, 17 July 2026

Interview with co-founder, Nelly Thobega

Founded in 2021 in Uganda, Talented Youth Community Fellowship (TAYCOF), is a faith-based, trans women-led organisation that was started by Maama Annet, Aggie Dennett Harmon, Isaac Bafaki and Deron Sheri to serve and uplift trans and gender diverse communities in Uganda. TAYCOF combines faith and activism to respond to the urgent needs of marginalised individuals. The organisation provides safe spaces, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, and community-centred advocacy and working to ensure that every person regardless of gender identity can live with dignity, purpose, and hope. The organisation was registered in June 2022.

Vision

A just, inclusive, and empowered society where trans and gender diverse people live freely, safely, and with dignity.  

Mission

To improve the lives of trans and gender diverse people in Uganda by fostering resilience, empowerment, and leadership through access to resources, rights advocacy, and community-led solutions. 

Objectives

• To advocate for the protection and recognition of trans rights.
• To provide safe spaces for trans women and gender diverse persons.
• To advance access to healthcare, mental wellness, and justice.
• To raise awareness about the lived realities and strengths of our community.

Areas of Work

• Leadership and capacity building.
• Shelter and safety.
• Emergency housing and relocation support for trans women at risk.
• Health and well-being.
• Access to affirming healthcare and mental health services.
• Advocacy programmes amplifying trans voices.
• Legal aid and protection.
• Supporting victims of violence and navigating legal systems.
• Skills for economic empowerment.

Contact

Email: talentedqueersfellowshipuganda@gmail.com 
+256752166105
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter (X)

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
• Public Statements

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
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

On 27 February 2024, we as Trans & Intersex History Africa Digital Archive presented our digital archive to PATHSA members.

Founded in Kampala, Uganda as a grassroots coalition by John Grace and others on the 1st of August 2020, Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium (UMSC) specifically prioritises and centres trans and gender diverse (TGD) youth who have been disproportionately targeted and driven underground by recent legislation (e.g. Anti-Homosexuality Act). While UMSC’s work is deeply rooted in TGD survival, their mandate encompasses the broader LGBTQ+ community, including LGBT+ sex workers, LGBT+ HRDs and LGBT+ PLHIV (people living with HIV). The organisation also focuses on LGBT+ individuals with intersecting vulnerabilities, such as displaced TGD youth and those living with disabilities. UMSC operates as a coalition of over 25 decentralised grassroots safe spaces and community-based protection organisations. Because TGD individuals are often the most visibly targeted within the broader LGBTQ+ umbrella, UMSC’s main work involves providing highly secure emergency housing, physical protection, and trauma-informed psychosocial care. The organisation utilises Peer Health Navigators to bypass hostile public clinics—where TGD persons frequently face intentional misgendering and abuse—to safely link them to life-saving HIV/AIDS services. The organisation is officially registered and holds formal national-level public health legitimacy, as it is officially accredited by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC).

Vision

A Uganda where marginalised communities, centring trans and gender-diverse youth, achieve true independence and self-determination. A future where TGD individuals are completely empowered to live with absolute bodily autonomy, build self-sustaining livelihoods, and access healthcare entirely on their own terms—free from systemic violence, arbitrary eviction, and reliance on hostile institutions.

Mission

To cultivate the absolute independence, resilience, and self-determination of marginalised communities—centring LGB, trans and gender-diverse (TGD) youth, sex workers, and individuals living with HIV—by building a self-sustaining, decentralised network of safe spaces across Uganda. UMSC is committed to breaking cycles of reliance on hostile institutions by empowering vulnerable populations with independent, stigma-free HIV/AIDS service linkages, trauma-informed psychosocial support, and the tools required to defend their own human rights and bodily autonomy.

Goals/Objectives

• To facilitate the transition of displaced and unhoused LGB, trans and gender-diverse (TGD) youth from precarious survival to enduring independence by maintaining protected, decentralised shelter networks that provide the essential foundation for reclaiming their autonomous livelihoods.
• To develop community-led, stigma-free health linkage infrastructures that empower LGB, TGD individuals overcoming homelessness to oversee their HIV/AIDS care and holistic health with absolute self-determination, effectively ending dependency on hostile or exclusionary public health systems.
• To expand localised, peer-driven psychosocial frameworks—such as our Resilience Circles—designed to dismantle the trauma of displacement and internalised shame, providing our community members with the mental fortitude necessary to achieve total structural and personal independence.

Focus areas

• UMSC’s core thematic areas are Emergency Housing and Transitional Shelter, HIV/AIDS Health Autonomy, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Structural Independence.
• For trans and gender-diverse (TGD) community members specifically, their projects are meticulously designed to disrupt the pipeline from AHA-related eviction to chronic homelessness. The organisation operates specialised safe spaces that provide immediate physical sanctuary for displaced TGD youth. From this secure foundation, they run trauma-informed “Resilience Circles” tailored to help TGD individuals process the acute trauma of homelessness and systemic violence, rebuilding their mental resilience.
• Furthermore, to ensure TGD members can safely transition to full independence, UMSC’s Peer Health Navigators facilitates secure, peer-led health linkages. The organisation bypasses hostile public clinics—where TGD persons frequently face intentional misgendering, blackmail, and service denial—by physically escorting them to trusted, non-hostile care centres or distributing underground HIV self-testing kits. 
• Their ultimate project focus is equipping formerly unhoused TGD youth with the physical safety, mental resilience, and health autonomy they need to permanently exit crisis survival and rebuild self-sustaining, independent lives.

Contact

Website
Email: minorityshelters@gmail.com  / umsc@minorityshelter.org 
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)

Watch our interview with co-founder, John Grace, 14 August 2026

UMSC documentaries

UMSC in the media

• PlanetRomeo Foundation: https://www.planetromeofoundation.org/umsc; 
• Global Press Journal’s feature “Shelters in Uganda Unite to Safely House LGBTQ People” https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/uganda/network-hope-shelters-uganda-unite-safely-house-lgbtq-people; 
• 76Crimes’ article “Five homeless shelters welcome LGBTQ Ugandans” https://76crimes.com/2020/10/23/five-homeless-shelters-welcome-lgbtq-ugandans; 
• GoFundMe campaign story “Donate To Uganda’s LGBT Shelters” https://www.gofundme.com/f/minorityshelters; 
• New York Times piece https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/world/africa/usaid-africa-uganda-lgbtq.html; 
• LGBTQ groups question US health agreements with African countries — Washington Blade, February 2026
• LGBTQ Ugandans targeted ahead of country’s elections — Washington Blade, January 2026
• Mpox outbreak in Africa declared global health emergency — Washington Blade, August 2024
• Ugandan Constitutional Court to consider challenge to Anti-Homosexuality Act — Washington Blade, December 2023
• Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium — Official Website
• How Police and Criminals Use Uganda’s Antigay Law to Find Blackmail Targets — Wall Street Journal

Fondée le 28 juin 2019 par Patrick Maliani, Kitumaini ASBL œuvre principalement auprès des personnes transgenres et de genres divers en République démocratique du Congo, œuvrant pour une société plus inclusive, où les personnes transgenres sont reconnues. C’est une organisation transféministe qui travaille avec les communautés trans et non binaires, les jeunes et les adultes trans, les survivantes de violences basées sur le genre (VBG), les militants des droits humains, les travailleurs sociaux et de santé, ainsi que les institutions et acteurs engagés en faveur de l’égalité et des droits humains. L’organisation les droits à la santé sexuelle et reproductive (DSSR) sans discrimination

Founded on 28 June 2019 by Patrick Maliani, Kitumaini ASBL primarily serves trans and gender diverse people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working towards a more inclusive society where trans people are recognised. It is a transfeminist organisation that works with trans and non-binary communities, trans youth and adults, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), human rights activists, health and social workers, and institutions and stakeholders committed to equality and human rights. The organisation also defends reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for trans, gender diverse and non-binary communities free from discrimination.

La Vision / Vision

Nous aspirons à la reconnaissance légale de l’identité de genre et à l’amélioration des conditions de vie des personnes transgenres pour une véritable inclusion en République Démocratique du Congo.

Kitumaini strives for legal recognition of gender identity and improved living conditions for trans people for true inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mission

L’Association a pour mission de promouvoir les droits humains à travers une approche basée sur le respect de la diversité et de l’inclusion, en mettant un accent particulier sur les personnes transgenres afin de renforcer leur leadership dans les différents secteurs de la vie.

The Association’s mission is to promote human rights through an approach based on respect for diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on trans people in order to strengthen their leadership in different sectors of life.

Objectifs / Goals

Elle poursuit notamment les objectifs suivants :

• Accompagner et soutenir les personnes transgenres , en particulier celles n’ayant pas retenu d’une éducation scolaire de base, à travers des programmes d’apprentissage en alphabétisation, art culinaire, pâtisserie, coiffure, couture et autres initiatives visant à les outiller pour une meilleure insertion socio-économique.
• Sensibiliser les personnes transgenres aux droits à la santé sexuelle et reproductive , en leur fournissant des informations pertinentes sur leur sexualité afin de garantir un accès équitable aux soins et aux services adaptés.
• Renforcer les compétences entrepreneuriales des personnes transgenres , en mettant en place des stratégies d’autonomisation économique à travers l’épargne, le crédit et le développement d’activités génératrices de revenus pour lutter contre la pauvreté.
• Mobiliser les associations de la société civile, les entreprises et les organisations partageant les mêmes valeurs , afin de favoriser la mise en œuvre de projets communs en faveur des droits et du bien-être des personnes transgenres.
• Lutter contre la transphobie, la stigmatisation, la discrimination et toutes formes de violences basées sur l’orientationbasé sur l’orientation sexuelle, l’identité et l’expression de genre.
• Plaider auprès des décideurs politiques pour une approche inclusive , afin d’intégrer les réalités et les besoins des personnes transgenres dans les différents programmes de développement du pays.
• Encourager la participation des personnes transgenres aux manifestations et forums internationaux , afin de promouvoir l’inclusion, la diversité, l’égalité des genres et les droits humains à l’échelle mondiale.
• Soutenir et consolider un mouvement féministe transgenre , en assurant un suivi et une évaluation continue des nouveaux défis auxquels sont confrontées les personnes marginalisées, tout en développant des stratégies adaptées pour y faire face.

Objectives include:

• Supporting and assisting trans people, particularly those who have not received a basic education, through learning programs in literacy, culinary arts, baking, hairdressing, sewing, and other initiatives aimed at equipping them for better socioeconomic integration.
• Raising awareness among trans people about sexual and reproductive health rights by providing them with relevant information about their sexuality in order to ensure equitable access to appropriate care and services.
• Strengthening the entrepreneurial skills of trans people by implementing economic empowerment strategies through savings, credit and the development of income-generating activities to combat poverty.
• Mobilising civil society associations, businesses and organisations sharing the same values, in order to promote the implementation of joint projects in favour of the rights and well-being of trans people.
• Fighting against transphobia, stigma, discrimination and all forms of violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
• Advocating with policy makers for an inclusive approach, in order to integrate the realities and needs of trans people into the country’s various development programmes.
• Encouraging the participation of trans people in international events and forums, in order to promote inclusion, diversity, gender equality and human rights globally.
• Supporting and consolidating a transfeminist movement, ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation of the new challenges faced by marginalized people, while developing appropriate strategies to address them.

Domaines d’intervention / Focus Areas

• Droits humains et plaidoyer
• Sensibilisation et lutte contre les discriminations et violences basées sur l’identité et l’expression de genre
• Plaidoyer pour la reconnaissance légale de l’identité de genre et l’inclusion des personnes transgenres dans les politiques publiques
• Accompagnement juridique des personnes trans victimes de violations de leurs droits
• Santé et bien-être
• Accès aux soins de santé adaptés et lutte contre les discriminations médicales
• Promotion des droits à la santé sexuelle et reproductive (DSSR) sans discrimination
• Soutien psychologique et social aux personnes transgenres confrontées à la marginalisation
• Autonomisation économique et inclusion sociale
• Renforcement des compétences des personnes trans par la formation professionnelle (coiffure, couture, art culinaire, etc.)
• Développement de projets d’entrepreneuriat social et d’activités génératrices de revenus
• Accès aux opportunités économiques et financières pour réduire la précarité et l’exclusion
• Éducation et renforcement des capacités
• Alphabétisation et éducation de base pour les personnes trans n’ayant pas eu accès à l’école
• Formation sur les droits, le leadership et la participation citoyenne des personnes transgenres
• Création d’espaces d’échange et de partage d’expériences pour le renforcement du mouvement trans féministe
• Sécurité et protection des personnes transgenres
• Soutien aux personnes transgenres victimes de violences et d’exclusion sociale
• Hébergement temporaire pour les personnes en situation de grande vulnérabilité
• Sécurisation numérique et protection contre les cyberviolences ciblant la communauté trans

Ces axes d’intervention permettent à Kitumaini ASBL de répondre aux besoins spécifiques des personnes transgenres en République Démocratique du Congo et de contribuer à une société plus inclusive et égalitaire.

• Human Rights and Advocacy
• Raising awareness and combating discrimination and violence based on gender identity and expression
• Advocating for the legal recognition of gender identity and the inclusion of transgender people in public policies
• Legal support for trans people whose rights are violated
• Access to appropriate healthcare and the fight against medical discrimination
• Promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) without discrimination
• Psychological and social support for trans people facing marginalisation
• Economic empowerment and social inclusion
• Strengthening the skills of trans people through vocational training (hairdressing, sewing, culinary arts, etc.)
• Development of social entrepreneurship projects and income-generating activities
• Access to economic and financial opportunities to reduce poverty and exclusion
• Education and capacity building
• Literacy and basic education for trans people who have not had access to school
• Training on the rights, leadership, and civic participation of trans people
• Creation of spaces for exchange and sharing experiences to strengthen the transfeminist movement
• Safety and protection of trans people
• Support for trans people who are victims of violence and social exclusion
• Temporary housing for people in situations of extreme vulnerability
• Digital security and protection against cyberviolence targeting the trans community

These areas of intervention enable Kitumaini ASBL to meet the specific needs of trans people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and contribute to a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Contacter / Contact*

Email: kitumainiasbl2019@gmail.com / kitumainica@gmail.com
Website
Facebook

* Malheureusement, le site web et les réseaux sociaux de Kitumaini ne sont plus fonctionnels en raison d’un manque de financement. Au nom de Kitumaini, nous invitons tous les bailleurs de fonds susceptibles de soutenir son action à les contacter aux adresses e-mail ci-dessus.

* Unfortunately Kitumaini’s website and social media pages are no longer functional due to a lack of funding. On behalf of Kitumaini we call on any funders able to aid their work to contact them on the email addresses above.

Founded in 2019, Upendo Rights Advocacy Initiative – Malaba (URAI), is non-governmental organisation that serves the rural Ugandan community of LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse persons. URAI was founded against the background of no services for LGBTI persons in Malaba and the perception that the LGBTI community is urban based. Yet LGBTI, people live in all contexts, including small towns and rural areas. LGBTI people in rural contexts experience unique and diverse challenges, with distinctive human rights, livelihood and healthcare needs that receive little attention at the national level, even with the considerable work that has already been done on LGBTI human rights, livelihoods and health situations in urban areas. Upendo was registered limited by guarantee in November 2021.

Mission

To represent, mobilise and empower communities of rural LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse individuals through advocacy, inclusiveness, creating solidarity, and promoting leadership. URAI does this work through wellness and livelihood programmes, and advocacy initiatives to engage different stakeholders on the issues that these rural communities face.

Objectives

• Advocate for policy changes to protect rural LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse individuals.
• Mobilise rural LGBTI communities through workshops, campaigns, and alliances. 
• Empower LGBTI individuals with skills training and resources for self-advocacy. 
• Foster inclusiveness and solidarity within rural communities. 
• Promote leadership among LGBTI individuals in rural areas. ⁠
• Address unique challenges through research and targeted programmes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve services and support for rural LGBTI communities.

Contact

Email: amollocarol59@gmail.com
Instagram
X (Twitter)

Established in 2018, the National Transgender Advocacy Network (NTAN) is a consortium that supports trans, gender diverse and intersex movements in Kenya through action, freedom, power, and knowledge-building approaches that focus on building socio-cultural support networks among trans movements to voice their concerns and to stimulate capacity building that inform organisational learning that is strategic, authentic, visible and trans-led. NTAN has several core functions that support trans organisations to prepare for and respond to the complexities they face in different regions. Members include Jinsiangu, Trans* Alliance (TA) as co-chairs, and Pwani Transgender Initiative (PTI), Muamko Mpya, Malindi Desire Initiative, Trans Sisters Network Nakuru, Trans Support Organization (TSO), Lake Basin Initiative for Transgender Empowerment (LABASITE), OutStar Busia, Bungoma Life Ambassadors,  Tula Self Help Group, and Youths for Equality Forum Homabay

Vision

To see a society that upholds gender equality, dignity, respect and fairness for all trans people.

Mission

To uphold gender equality, dignity, and rights for all trans people in Kenya.

Work

Key focus areas:

• Advocacy for legal gender recognition and documentation rights
• Movement building and participatory grantmaking
• Public awareness and political engagement

NTAN’s gender-affirming healthcare-related advocacy and service-delivery learning is focused on contributing to expanding trans, non-binary and intersex people’s participation through in-country global partnerships with healthcare systems advocating for deliberate inclusion of gender identity, gender expression, and bodily diversity issues in the work of donors, health systems, and with local, national, regional and international organisations working on primary healthcare needs of trans, non-binary and intersex persons grounded in international human rights practice standards.

Advocacy

NTAN’s involvement in local, national, and International Human Rights systems aims to end human rights violations based on gender identity, gender expression, and bodily diversity issues, including those of criminalisation, exclusion, violence, stigma, and discrimination holding governments accountable to social justice indigenous issues.

Community at the centre

NTAN is working to create a radical expansion of political organising by formally plugging trans organisations in different sectors to harness their specific input and expertise on gender identity, gender expression, and bodily diversity issues at the local, national, regional, and international levels so that activists can participate in all decision-making processes affecting their communities.

Knowledge management

The network’s approach to knowledge management aims to promote an integrated approach to identifying, capturing, evaluating, retrieving, and sharing NTAN’s information assets. These assets include databases, documents, policies, procedures, and previously un-captured expertise and experience in Network membership organisations.

Contact

Contact can be made through NTAN’s co-chairing organisation, Jinsiangu
Website
Email: jinsiangu@gmail.com

In March 2017, trans sex worker activist, Leigh Davids from SistaazHood, made the now famous “Trans Violent Exclusion” speech at the 3rd Trans Health, Advocacy and Research Conference, hosted by Gender DynamiX (GDX)  and Iranti.

Under the Conference theme, “Decolonising and Depathologising Transgender Identities”, Leigh delivered a powerful critique, which was published afterwards.

The speech highlighted the different income and social classes and levels of access within trans organisations and among trans women and activists. She spoke about living on the street, and she challenged the audience to think about what it means being a trans woman sex worker and how this Conference (or any other) is at all meaningful for trans women sex workers. In the speech Leigh mentioned that trans women sex workers do not live to be older than 40 years.

Leigh passed away two weeks before her 40th birthday, on 27 February 2019. Read the tributes to Leigh after her passing.

Transcript of snippets from a speech Leigh made in 2018 at the Kewpie Heritage Day

“Thank you for coming to the place where we live. We do not often invite people here. Like anybody else we enjoy our privacy and as you might imagine we don’t have a lot of that here.
This is what NOT PRIVACY looks like.
This is what NOT HOME looks like.
This is what parents threaten their children with if they don’t do their homework.
This is what Capitalism imprints in your mind to make you work harder, to spend your money,
to make you work for the man.
This is……. THE STREETS.

The human mind and will is amazing. Even when it is hungry. Even when it is in pain all the time. Even when it’s spirit has been attacked all it’s life. It will find and make community, under the worst stress. The SistaazHood and our allies have been living on this spot for decades. Over there is our lounge and our kitchen. Over here is where we sleep together.
This is home for us.
Well it was until the part of apartheid that never died came and evicted us last week, evicted us yet again from District 6.
The first time was because of philosophy called apartheid. Ooh and we hate that word hey? All of us! Black white poor rich.
Say it with all the hate in yourself, all the disgust, feel appalled!
Wasnt it terrible? It was so terrible that once upon a time a government, a city could throw poor black people out of their homes, demolish them, send the people to the outskirts of the city. What terrible prejudice, human rights violation. That one could lose your home because of the colour of your skin, your culture, how you were born. Shocking hey?
But let me tell you that Big Brother Apartheid might be dead but his father is still with us. We never killed his father. His father’s name is the CLASS SYSTEM and his father’s job is GENTRIFICATION. In the name of gentrification the father of apartheid is still chasing poor black people from District Six.

And so? How many of you are working class? How many of you are middle class? Do you occupy the street to walk to work or do you occupy the street when you go for a jog or do you drive in it? If you answer yes to any of those you are more or less safe from the father of apartheid and his job – gentrification. But me and my sisters. He is coming for us. He came for us last week on his first round through Woodstock. He chased us around the corner. Next week he will take us to a concentration camp in a place called Wolwehoek. What is this? It sounds like a TV drama. But it is not. It is my life. It is our life. And maybe you wonder why I can sleep in the street, how can sleep on a piece of property I don’t own, how I can complain when I am evicted from a space I don’t own. Are you wondering that? Are you wondering if I am a nuisance to
people here? Do I make a noise? Do I use drugs, sell sex, urinate on the street? And isn;t it time for me to get my act together, find a job?
First of all – I HAVE A JOB. Sex work is work. You made it illegal.
Second of all. I don’t live here by accident. I am not poor by accident. I am not without a home by accident.

There are places in the world where democracy does it’s job, nobody sleeps on tar and cardboard there. There are places in the world where Capitalism works, does it’s job – people don’t sleep under plastic on cement there. There are places in
the world where dynamic communities with all the classes are designed by city planners. People from every class is together in one neighbourhood, diversity makes them thrive! Believe it! Those neighbourhoods work! And the most vulnerable? There are shelters for them…..right there in the same neighbourhood where one guy jogs on the street, the other one walks on it to work and the one with mental health challenges sits on a bench under a beautiful tree, protected, maybe even healing. There are places like that in the world.

And do you know how they happened? They did not happen because poor people got their act together. They did not happen because poor people got themselves jobs. They did not happen because poor people got organised. They happened because people with power started doing their job. They built a society for everybody with their power. The middle class agreed to it. Insisted on it. That’s how it happened.

So please leave us now and go do you job. Use your power. Get us off the street without evicting us. Gentrify with us in our heart and mind, not like we are trash that needs to be taken out…..of town.”

In 2016, the Southern African Trans Forum, with the aid of Accountability International, undertook a situational analysis of the barriers faced by trans diverse people in Africa in accessing healthcare. The specific focus of the analysis was the intersections between legal and policy frameworks that create these barriers for people in 5 Southern African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The report, ‘Southern Africa Trans Diverse Situational Analysis: Accountability to Reduce Barriers to Accessing Health-Care | 2016’, took place during 2016 and was published in 2017.

Survey Results

Barriers faced by trans diverse Southern Africans (Source: page 5 of the Report)

• Lacking identity documentation aligned to their preferred gender, trans-diverse persons experience extreme discrimination at school, at church, and in other social settings at the hands of their peers who are ignorant of and uncomfortable with their gender identity;
• Facing active discrimination from family and church leaders – who are likely to sexually molest many trans diverse people – their experience finally drives trans diverse people out of school before completion of their studies, and also out of home (another key site of sexual abuse);
• Trans diverse people are at a permanent disadvantage against former peers in seeking work in that we are underage, underqualified, can’t progress further in their studies, and cannot secure basic documents such as a driver’s license (a significant minority of those few that manage to secure work are likely to experience sexual harassment at work, or to lose their jobs as a result of their gender identity) so most of them wind up unemployed;
• Lack of education, employment, plus official and societal discrimination against the trans diverse usually means we cannot access housing and wind up on the street, which drives them into underground subsistence activities including petty criminality and especially sex-work in order to survive;
• That demi-monde existence in turn makes them even more vulnerable to abuse by members of the public and the police (including arbitrary assault, arrest, and detention), to substance abuse and self-harming behaviour including suicide attempts, and to disease including but not limited to STIs, HIV/Aids, TB and viral hepatitis;
• so ill and in desperate need of medical attention and psychological assistance (not to mention hard-to get hormones and almost unreachable transitional surgery), the trans diverse turn to the healthcare system – but encounter yet more ignorance, prejudice and even abuse.

Lived experiences of trans diverse Southern Africans

The Survey documented the following results in a period of 12 months relating to the lived experiences of trans diverse Southern Africans:

• 34% (1 in 3) experienced sexual violence, including attempted or completed rape.
• Of these, only 19% (1 in 5) received the necessary medical attention.
• 22% experienced attempted or completed rape by an intimate partner.
• Of these, only 14% reported intimate partner sexual violence.
• 18% reported physical abuse by a religious or faith healer.
• Only 11% of these reported the sexual abuse by a religious or faith healer.
• 53% experienced violence.
• Of these only 30% received the medical attention they required.
• Only 24% of these experiences of violence were reported.
• 53% avoided healthcare because of stigmatisation by staff.
• Only 45% taught their healthcare provider about trans diverse issues.

Key findings of the situational analysis

The summary of the Report is as follows:

“The trans diverse communities in the five countries studied (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland) represent a remarkable constellation of communities characterised by extreme vulnerability because of their intersectional location as among their countries’ most excluded – unemployed or criminalised, susceptible to disease and despair, targeted for sexual assault and hate crimes, and cut off from education, housing, health-care, sports and social activities, and many the basic benefits of citizenship and amenities of society.

And yet trans diverse people are possessed of remarkable strengths in terms of their survival skills and tenacity in overtly hostile environments were because of having to either face social erasure or are actively persecuted as a group that “should not” exist.

The power of trans diverse agency should not be underestimated, as two remarkable examples will make clear: a) although many members of the trans* community who answered this survey have experienced prejudice in, including expulsion from, their childhood homes, 38% of those surveyed started their own families; and b) although many trans diverse persons experienced prejudice in, including expulsion from, school, fully 18% of those surveyed completed tertiary education – higher than the national average in at least three of the countries surveyed.

However, a total policy vacuum regarding the existence, nature and needs of the trans diverse community mars all the countries studied. This invisibility not only allows for blanket ignorance to reign among officialdom and the broader populace, on the one hand disabling trans persons’ ability to access ordinary (and specialised) health-care and legal remedies, while on the other hand enabling casually vicious discrimination up to and including violent hate crimes and police home invasions (the latter experience restricted to Zambia). Even the protections that the trans diverse supposedly possess under constitutional equality/human rights legislation appears to fall away in most real-life circumstances.” Source: https://accountability.international/projects/trans-diverse-africans-situational-analysis-2016-2019/

Read the full Report.

In July 2016, The East Africa Trans Health and Advocacy Network (EATHAN) was formed by founding member Barbra Wangare in Kenya as a network of trans-diverse activists and organisations in East Africa working to improve the livelihoods of gender-diverse persons in East Africa. Member organisations represent 34 activist and trans community organisations across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

Mission

EATHAN’s mission is to equip and enable East African trans* diverse individuals and institutions, to organise and advocate for the improvement of their health, the recognition of their gender, and the protection of their human rights, utilising informed research and documentation, particularly on health and HIV, and by enhancing their livelihoods through capacity strengthening and empowerment. In 2021 EATHAN celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting their first-ever Live Show on the topic of Trans Womanhood.

Areas of Work

The organisation’s main mandate is to support its members. It does this through technical support with fundraising proposals and attending conferences, as well as budget writing. It also offers capacity strengthening initiatives so that member organisations are able not only to fundraise, but to build the capacity to handle donations and carry out the projects funding was sought for. Member organisations are also trained in financial management and financial accountability.

EATHAN also engages in global trans activism and is one of the organising committee members of the United Nations Trans Advocacy Week that is held yearly.

Resource Hub

The EATHAN Resource Hub is a space where, among other things, its research is documented, providing community members with information on transitioning, legal gender recognition, challenges, as well as documents on legal and human rights advocacy and policy changes affecting trans and intersex communities.

Contact

Website
Email: info@eathan.org
+254 797 551980
Facebook

Watch our interview with EATHAN’s Executive Director, Barbra Wangare

On 15 October 2024, TIHA’s Victor J. Mukasa and Barbra discussed her personal journey as a trans woman and the early history of trans awareness in Kenya, her role in the founding of Kenya’s second trans organisation, Jinsiangu and the work that she and EATHAN do in Kenya, East Africa and globally.

In 2016, South Africa’s Iranti, as well as the Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE), Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), Stop Trans Pathologization 2012 (STP) team, and Transgender Europe (TGEU), hosted a workshop to share knowledge and learning and to form advocacy strategies against the pathologisation of trans and intersex people in Africa based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The advocacy booklet, Ending Pathological Practices Against Trans and Intersex Bodies in Africa, was published as a result of the workshop.

From the introduction of the booklet, the goal of the publication

“is to create a basic, accessible and user-friendly tool for understanding the links between access to gender affirming health-care, human rights, depathologisation of trans and gender diverse identities, and the current review process of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The ICD is an international classification that has been developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It contains a complex list of diseases, disorders, injuries, and factors influencing contact with healthcare services. Some of the diagnoses in the ICD directly affect trans, gender diverse, and intersex communities.

We hope that this publication serves as an accessible guide to understanding the importance of depathologising trans health-care:

• Is used across communities; by clinicians, by activists, by trans and gender diverse persons, intersex persons, scholars, NGOs, etc.
• Ignites a growing interest in the campaign to depathologise gender affirming healthcare, getting
• More people and organisations from the region involved.
• Challenges the power dynamics that exist in the access to gender affirming healthcare.
• Highlights the intersection between depathologisation and the decolonisation of our identities.”