Gender DynamiX (GDX) was founded in South Africa by ciswoman Liesl Theron and her trans partner, Lex Kirsten. Due to work insecurity and no knowledge of employment rights of trans persons in 2005, the cis-trans couple decided that Theron would be during the beginning years of GDX the known ‘founder’ to allow Kirsten employment security.

Theron and Kirsten’s relationship lasted until 2007, however, they remain friends and Kirsten remains supportive of GDX (see October 2012). GDX was the first African-based registered organization focusing solely on the transgender community. The inaugural Board meeting took place in July 2006.  GDX was the first African-based registered organization focusing solely on the transgender community.  Read the reflection essay Liesl wrote, explaining the founding reasons and the context and experiences of trans persons and couples in South Africa, before the existence of any visible support for trans people.