Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /usr/www/users/transaehec/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114 July 2005 — Gender DynamiX (GDX) Founded, South Africa – Trans & Intersex History Africa

Gender DynamiX (GDX), the first registered South African-based organisation and one of the first African-based organisations focusing solely on the trans community, was founded in South Africa by cis woman, Liesl Theron, and her trans partner, Lex Kirsten in July 2005.  Due to work insecurity and a lack of knowledge about the employment rights of trans persons, the cis-trans couple decided that Liesl would, during the beginning years of GDX’s existence, be known as the ‘founder’ in order to allow Lex employment security. The inaugural Board meeting took place in July 2006. 

Gender Dynamix logo

Vision

Gender DynamiX seeks to be a key role-player towards the realisation of all human rights of transgender and gender non-conforming people within and beyond the borders of South Africa.

Mission

Using a human rights framework, Gender DynamiX undertakes to advance, promote and defend the rights of trans and gender non-conforming persons in South Africa, Africa and globally.

Objectives

  • To increase the visibility and acceptance of trans diverse and gender diverse persons.  
  • To advocate for a society where everyone is free to express their gender, within, across and beyond the male-female binary without fear of discrimination and to promote self-identification.  
  • To provide training and education for key stakeholders including and not limited to health care workers, law enforcement, educators, public service and religious leaders in order to build sensitivity towards trans diverse-, gender diverse-, gender non-conforming-, and gender questioning people.  
  • To challenge and assist people to re-examine their understanding of gender diversity.  
  • To assist significant others, family, friends and colleagues of trans diverse-, gender diverse-, gender non-conforming-, and gender questioning people with information and education about gender identity and expression.  
  • To use a human rights framework, to support trans diverse and gender diverse persons to access and advocate for their rights. 
  • To increase awareness and acceptance of trans diverse and gender diverse persons in Southern Africa by doing outreach work in townships and rural areas.  
  • To participate in and conduct research in the field of trans- and gender diversity.  
  • To play an integral role in trans activism in South Africa, Africa and globally by participating in relevant human rights networks.  
  • To form strategic partnerships to realise service provision to trans- and gender diverse persons, and to liaise with other organisations who are also working towards the realisation of Human Rights.  
  • To advance Human rights by lobbying government, civil society, national- and international decision-makers and the media to combat prejudice, discrimination, violence against and intimidation of trans diverse-, gender diverse-, gender non-conforming-, and gender questioning people.  

Liesl in a meeting with then Chair of the GDX Board, Sally Jean Shackleton

Focus Areas

  • Advocacy and research
  • Capacity enhancement
  • Community access to direct services
  • Organisational development.

Contact

Website
+27 (0) 21 447 4797
Email: info@genderdynamix.org.za
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Twitter (X)
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Liesl Theron Reflects on the Beginnings of GDX