March 2026 — Founding of Trans Siblings Connect, South Africa
Founded by Lee Fourie, Menzi Mbambo, Vuyo Ngcofe and Quinn Wiese in South Africa in March 2026, Trans Siblings Connect is a peer support group that works with trans and gender diverse individuals, with a focus on transmasculine people (Trans Brothers Connect), and transfeminine people (Trans Sisters Connect).
Vision
A connected, empowered, and inclusive community in which trans and gender-diverse siblings feel supported, affirmed, valued, and able to thrive.
Mission
Trans Siblings Connect aims to create safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces where trans and gender-diverse (TGD) people can connect, share experiences, access support and information, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen community.
Goals/Objectives
- To foster community and connection among TGD individuals through regular social and support-based gatherings.
- To provide safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where individuals can share experiences, challenges, and achievements without fear of judgement.
- To promote peer support and mutual encouragement by creating opportunities for community members to learn from and support one another.
- To provide accessible and relevant information and resources relating to TGD experiences, health, wellbeing, and gender affirmation.
- To promote empowerment and personal growth by facilitating discussions, activities and opportunities that support members’ wellbeing and development.
- To reduce isolation and strengthen a sense of belonging within the transgender and gender-diverse community.
- To encourage collaboration and connection with other organisations, professionals and community resources that support TGD individuals.
- To celebrate the diversity, resilience and achievements of TGD people.
Focus areas
- Peer Support and Community Building: Creating safe and affirming spaces where TGD individuals can connect, share experiences, build supportive relationships, and develop a sense of belonging.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Facilitating discussions and activities relating to emotional wellbeing, self-acceptance, resilience, relationships, dysphoria, and other issues affecting TGD individuals.
- Gender-Affirming Healthcare: Providing and sharing accessible information relating to gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone therapy, surgery, healthcare providers, medical aid and navigating healthcare systems.
- Information and Resource Sharing: Improving access to practical, accurate and community-relevant information and resources that support TGD individuals throughout different stages of their journeys.
- Community Education and Empowerment: Creating opportunities for TGD individuals to learn, share knowledge, develop confidence, and make informed decisions about their lives and gender affirmation.
- Social Connection and Inclusion: Organising social gatherings and community activities that reduce isolation and provide opportunities for TGD people to connect in affirming and inclusive environments.
Current and developing initiatives include regular peer-support and community gatherings, discussions on topics relevant to transgender and gender-diverse wellbeing and experiences, and the development of accessible resources relating to gender-affirming healthcare and services in South Africa, including the South African Gender-Affirming Healthcare Guide and Directory.
