{"id":5503,"date":"2018-01-01T15:32:00","date_gmt":"2018-01-01T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/?p=5503"},"modified":"2026-06-12T18:07:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T16:07:49","slug":"2018-founding-of-refugee-trans-initiative-rti-kenya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/2018-founding-of-refugee-trans-initiative-rti-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"2018 \u2014 Founding of Refugee Trans Initiative (RTI), Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2018 \u2014 Founding of Refugee Trans Initiative (RTI), Kenya<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 2018, Refugee Trans Initiative (RTI) is a trans-led community based organisation that aims to create visibility for trans refugees and the local trans community. The organisation was founded by Vanilla (Tcheugoue) Hussein, a trans refugee woman, along with the help of Doreen Andrews and Purity Paige Tumukwasibwe, and other trans refugees who believe in the rights of trans women by creating awareness of the issues faced by trans refugees and ensuring empowerment of trans women through advocacy, safe housing, livelihood development and seminars amongst others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Challenges faced by trans refugees in Kenya include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trans refugees are faced with discrimination because of their gender <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trans refugees face gender based violence from their partners and torture most of the times from the transphobic community <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trans refugees face a lot of depression and low self esteem <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trans refugees are faced with low income jobs and joblessness because of their gender and end up in the harsh conditions of sex work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiative.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5505\" style=\"width:850px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiative.png 336w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiative-296x300.png 296w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiative-148x150.png 148w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiative-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free trans refugee community, the freedom to be one\u2019s true self, and an empowered trans community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To ensure trans refugees are self-sufficient and able to run their day-to-day activities without fear of prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To fight for trans refugees through activism and advocacy to ensure that they are able to be independent and have the freedom to be their true selves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"899\" height=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1.jpg 899w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1-150x123.jpg 150w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1-768x628.jpg 768w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_1-15x12.jpg 15w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Objectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To create awareness and advocate for trans refugees&#8217; rights. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To create a safe space for trans refugees and trans sex workers. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To empower trans refugees on social and economic growth. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To carry out health forums on trans refugee health and well-being by distributing condoms and lube and encouraging the use of PrEP\/PEP. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To train trans refugees to obtain a high level of high self esteem and through psycho-social support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5506\" style=\"width:1200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_2-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Areas of Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advocacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empowerment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healthcare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shelter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Rise-Trans-Initiative_2-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.refugeetransinitiative.org\/\">Website<\/a><br>+254 702 371 502<br>Email: <a href=\"mailto:refugeetransinitiative@gmail.com\">refugeetransinitiavite@gmail.com <\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/transrefugeeinitiative\">Facebook<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/refugee_trans_initiative?igsh=YzljYTk1ODg3Zg%3D%3D\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Refugee-Trans-Initiatives_1-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch our interview with co-founder, Purity Tumukwasibwe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On 9 May, we interviewed Purity about trans activism in Uganda and Kenya, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Trans activism in Uganda #2 \u2014 Purity Tumukwasibwe\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XhiLwtD_zfA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2018 \u2014 Founding of Refugee Trans Initiative (RTI), Kenya Founded in 2018, Refugee Trans Initiative (RTI) is a trans-led community based organisation that aims to create visibility for trans refugees and the local trans community. The organisation was founded by Vanilla (Tcheugoue) Hussein, a trans refugee woman, along with the help of Doreen Andrews and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5505,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[335,489,337,42,541,32,419],"tags":[53,597,1413,594,599,598],"class_list":["post-5503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-asylum-seekers-migrants-refugees","category-audio-video","category-organisations","category-sex-work","category-trans","category-transfeminist","tag-kenya","tag-purity-paige","tag-purity-tumukwasibwe","tag-refugee-trans-initiatives","tag-rti","tag-vanilla-hussein"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5503"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7178,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5503\/revisions\/7178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/transintersexhistory.africa\/sw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}