2024

The International Trans Fund (ITF) is the only trans-led, global funder focused on safety, dignity and justice for trans people. We work to mobilize and facilitate sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe. We envision a future where gender diversity is celebrated, and where trans people have the power to live as their true, authentic selves in communities across the globe. Our grantmaking is led by a global panel of trans activists: we believe it is essential for trans activists who understand the context in different regions to make the decisions about what trans communities need to make progress.

The 8th Grant Making Panel (GMP) meeting took place in Mexico City from June 24-28, 2024, and the GMP allocated $1,000,000 to 39 trans-led groups in 33 countries in the general grant cycle. We are proud to share the list of our 2024 grantee partners along with their profiles. Some groups are kept anonymous to protect their safety.

Africa and West Asia 

THRIVE

Botswana Trans Initiative (Botswana)

The Botswana Trans Initiative, founded in 2021 in Gaborone, Botswana, is dedicated to serving and empowering trans people by increasing their representation and visibility, and advancing advocacy for legal and policy reforms to secure the human rights of trans and gender-diverse individuals in Botswana. The organization facilitates workshops to raise human rights awareness among trans youth and adults, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, self-awareness, and health rights advocacy. They also engage with the Ministry of Health to lobby policy reforms, transform healthcare access, and improve the quality of care for trans individuals. Additionally, they  advocate for the inclusion and legal gender recognition of trans people in national records. The organization disseminated data from the Living the Dream project to the Ministry of Health, medical stakeholders, and local civil society organizations, aiming to shed light on healthcare disparities faced by the trans community. The group organized a Trans Camp, which provided a safe space for addressing human rights issues, fostering socio-economic empowerment, and promoting mental health awareness.

Cairo 52 Legal Research Institute (Egypt)

Cairo 52 Legal Research Institute, established in 2020 in Cairo, Egypt, is a research institute committed to simplifying legal knowledge, promoting human rights and bodily autonomy, providing legal services to marginalized groups, and amplifying the voices of those often unheard. Their work spans various activities, including offering grassroots services like pro bono legal representation, consultations, and health services such as the trans clinic project. They also focus on raising awareness through workshops, alternative media, and campaigns that share short articles and essays. Cairo 52 conducts advocacy research, creating guidelines for international and local partners based on surveys and focus groups with transgender individuals in the region. Additionally, they maintain an open-access MENA trans database to document gender-affirming healthcare in Egypt, which is used to further advocacy efforts within international and regional human rights platforms, such as the African Commission on Human Rights and the Universal Periodic Review. The institute is also deeply involved in strategic litigation for the right to health for trans individuals, with plans to expand these efforts to other countries in collaboration with local trans groups. 

Matasia Trans Capability (Kenya)

Matasia Trans Capability, founded in 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, is dedicated to the development of the trans community through promoting visibility, economic empowerment, and capacity building. Their mission is to create a community where trans individuals enjoy full equality in every aspect of life. Their key activities include providing immediate relief in the form of food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to affected populations, working with local partners to ensure fair and efficient distribution. They offer a Medical Cash Box to address medical needs of TGNC (transgender and gender non-conforming) individuals over an 11-month period. Quarterly psychosocial sessions are organized for participants, and shelter is provided for beneficiaries across two safe houses. Matasia Trans Capability also delivers capacity-building programs for TGNC persons who use drugs and conducts team-building activities to boost engagement and morale among community leaders working in local organizations. They train TGNC refugees and asylum seekers in data protection and online security to help prevent and address online harassment. They also host an annual event to celebrate TGNC refugees and Kenyans, with participation from 50 individuals, and support the “Inuka” TGNC Netball Team in county and national tournaments. 

Transgender Intersex in Action as TIA NGUVU PAMOJA (Burundi)
Transgender Intersex in Action, also known as TIA NGUVU PAMOJA, was founded in 2016 in Burundi with a mission to address the daily challenges faced by trans people and promote inclusion to establish national programs and leadership bodies that are both inclusive and equitable. Their aim is to ensure that trans individuals live without discrimination in Burundian society. Their key activities include organizing focus group sessions to identify the needs of TGNC (transgender and gender non-conforming) people and holding dialogue sessions with lawyers and legal practitioners to explore the legal aspects of gender recognition in Burundi. These sessions contribute to the creation of a guide on the legal and administrative steps required for name changes. TIA NGUVU PAMOJA also delivers workshops focused on these procedures for the TGNC community and offers support to those wishing to begin the name change process. Furthermore, they work to organize TGNC communities by identifying their specific needs, planning activities to meet those needs, and establishing a foundation for sustainable efforts to achieve desired changes.

SEED

Amber Care and Rights Development Initiative (Nigeria)

Amber Care and Rights Development Initiative, established in 2022 in Nigeria, is dedicated to advancing trans rights with a vision of creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Their mission focuses on legal advocacy, health awareness, and community sensitization to empower trans individuals. Their core activities include conducting legal advocacy campaigns to challenge discriminatory laws and organizing rights awareness workshops for trans individuals. They collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure access to gender-affirming care and organize health awareness programs targeting marginalized trans communities. The organization also implements community sensitization initiatives to combat stigma, offering workshops on the unique challenges faced by trans individuals experiencing critical marginalization. Amber Care and Rights Development Initiative develops job training programs and facilitates entrepreneurship opportunities to foster economic stability. Additionally, they provide shelter for trans individuals, including sex workers and drug users, and offer psychosocial support services and counseling. 

GAFM.1 (Morocco)

GAFM.1, established in 2018 in Morocco, is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights by addressing gender-based violence through innovative, intersectional, and feminist self-defense methods. Their mission is to create safe spaces, challenge societal prejudices, and empower marginalized communities. Their main activities include selecting five trans individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions in Morocco to participate in a year-long capacity-building program. They collaborate with psychologists that are knowledgeable about trans issues to provide mental health sessions tailored to the unique needs of trans individuals. The organization offers workshops that focus on mental health, empowerment, and resilience within an intersectional feminist framework. They also conduct mental health workshops specifically designed for the trans community, covering topics such as self-care, coping strategies, and navigating intersectional challenges. To foster a sense of community, GAFM.1 facilitates open discussions and establishes support groups for LGBTQIA+ community members, including trans individuals, sex workers, and people living with HIV. In addition, they develop and implement an intersectional self-defense training program that addresses the specific needs and experiences of trans individuals. 

Last Hope Refugee Association (LHRA) (Uganda)

Last Hope Refugee Association is committed to defending the fundamental human rights of sexual minority trans refugees, ensuring they are respected within their communities, and promoting the broader human rights of trans individuals. The group hosts capacity-building seminars for trans individuals on personal security, digital security, and the right to human dignity. They also focus on building the trans community’s capacity for advocacy and lobbying at local, national, and international levels, aiming to promote the respect for trans rights and dignity. The organization offers leadership and good governance training to strengthen their internal structures. They also monitor and document cases of rights violations against trans refugees by biological family members, fellow refugees, host communities, and police forces.

PerfocraZe International Artist Residency (pIAR) (Ghana) 

PerfocraZe International Artist Residency (pIAR), founded in 2018, aims to create a safe, trans-artistic sanctuary and creative community that supports queer and trans individuals in contributing to the vibrant art and culture scene in Ghana, Africa, and beyond through local and international collaborations and exchange programs. They are committed to revolutionizing art and radicalizing communal solidarity to build a strong, empowered community. pIAR’s held a residential workshop, “Radicalising Trans Visibility,” as a form of political resistance against transphobia and social exclusion. This workshop helped educate young trans individuals on confronting legal changes, such as the Anti-LGBTQAI+ bill, and advocates for trans rights in Ghanaian society and parliament. Additionally, they continue to build a network opposing the anti-LGBTQIA+ bill in Ghana, hosting artists and activists in residency, organizing community events like the Love fEAST, and promoting visibility by hosting film screenings in the community. pIAR also maintains a program for local mentees and volunteers who seek refuge at the residency, where they gain confidence and skills in areas like institution management, hospitality, activism, community building, and international exchange.

Trans*Sisters Network (Kenya)

Trans*Sisters Network, founded in 2020 in Kenya, is committed to unlocking the infinite dreams of intersex, trans, and gender non-conforming (ITGNC) individuals, with a primary focus on supporting those facing severe marginalization within the community. Their key activities include organizing workshops and seminars to educate healthcare professionals on providing inclusive and respectful care to ITGNC individuals and developing educational materials and guidelines to improve understanding in healthcare settings. They partner with existing healthcare facilities to offer access to gender-affirming care, hormone therapy, and mental health support, collaborating with medical professionals to ensure safe and affordable care. The organization conducts informational sessions to educate trans individuals, communities, and workplaces about diverse gender identities, dispelling myths and reducing stigma. They also create and distribute educational materials, such as pamphlets and online resources, to increase public understanding. TransSisters Network establishes safe spaces, support groups, and online forums where individuals can connect, share experiences, and receive peer support, while organizing regular meetings or events to foster community and empowerment. They collaborate with mental health professionals to offer tailored counseling services and provide referrals to specialists sensitive to gender identity issues. 

Trans Alliance Sierra Leone [TAS] (Sierra Leone)

Trans Alliance Sierra Leone is a community-based organization established in 2016. The organization was founded by young transgender women in response to the legal obstacles in the country that hinder the promotion of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Trans Alliance Sierra Leone was created to help mitigate discrimination and violations against LGBTQI individuals and to promote and protect their rights, regardless of sex, creed, ethnicity, region, or sexual orientation and gender identity across the country. Trans Alliance Sierra Leone is committed to assisting, caring for, and empowering LGBTQ youth in at-risk situations, offering resources to support their healthy development. The organization aims to promote and protect LGBTQ rights through community participation, advocacy, and networking across the country.

TRANZURI CBO (Kenya)

Tranzuri CBO, established in 2022, is the only rural-based, transgender-specific community-based organization in Homa-Bay County, Kenya, led by intersex, transgender, gender non-conforming (ITGNC) individuals and trans women sex workers. Tranzuri CBO works on building awareness and improving visibility both locally and internationally. They develop advocacy briefs targeting key policy and law makers at the local, county, national, and international levels. In addition, they conduct awareness sessions for community members, particularly local administration, health service providers, and community gatekeepers. The group focuses on tailored donor funding briefs, appeals, and meetings to secure financial support for their initiatives.

East, South, Southeast Asia and the Pacific

THRIVE

Kerukunan Waria Bissu Sulawesi Selatan (Indonesia)

Kerukunan Waria Bissu Sulawesi Selatan, founded in 1999 in Indonesia, is dedicated to providing education and empowerment for the trans women and Bissu community, strengthening their organizational system, and actively participating in preserving the Bissu culture in South Sulawesi. Their main activities include increasing the capacity of the Calabai community and community leaders by organizing Calabai community gatherings in two cities, conducting Calabai Mini Camps, and training community leaders in eight districts along with paralegal training. They also develop evidence-based advocacy materials for dialogue with both state and non-state actors, including case handling, monitoring, and dialogue on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) human rights. Additionally, they create public campaigns on gender diversity in South Sulawesi’s culture, including hosting gatherings with the Bissu community for cultural events like “Tudang Sipulung” and organizing the cultural event “Bissu Sempugi in Bugis Culture,” as well as leading public campaign events with research production and dissemination campaigns.

Ruby Social Enterprise (Vietnam)

Ruby Social Enterprise, established in 2009 in Hanoi, Vietnam, is dedicated to building and strengthening alliances with the trans community, advocating for reduced discrimination, and improving access to healthcare for key populations. Their key activities include continuing to implement the TransEdu campaign across universities, colleges, and high schools in Hanoi to raise awareness of gender diversity, sexual orientation, and the full spectrum of gender and sexual identities among youth. They are also producing a short documentary, “Journey of a Name,” to support ongoing advocacy for the passage of the Gender Affirmation Law in Vietnam, which is scheduled for a vote in the National Assembly in October 2024. This documentary aims to increase visibility and awareness of transgender people’s experiences and the challenges they face, utilizing popular media as a tool to advocate for the law’s passage. Additionally, Ruby Social Enterprise will convene a Transgender Network Summit with the Vietnamese Transgender Network Executive Board to develop a national plan addressing the most pressing issues and challenges facing transgender individuals in Vietnam.

SEED

Anonymous (East Asia)

Anonymous (South Asia)

Korean Transgender Rights Organization Jogakbo (South Korea)

Korean Transgender Rights Organization Jogakbo, founded in 2015 in South Korea, aims to build a society where transgender individuals can live positively, with equal treatment and respect. The name “Jogakbo” refers to a traditional parti-colored patchwork, symbolizing their vision of a society where trans people are free from discrimination and every gender identity is harmonized. Their key activities include running the ongoing ‘Trans Everywhere’ Campaign, strengthening feminist solidarity with trans people at the center, and engaging in discursive struggles and campaigns to secure reproductive rights for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. They participate in several local Pride Parades across South Korea to promote trans visibility and publish a new anthology titled “Jogakbo-jagi.” Additionally, they organize TGG, a monthly transgender support group, and host a commemorative event for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Jogakbo also develops and promotes other campaigns and activities focused on trans rights and fostering a gender-diverse culture.

Transgender Japan (Japan)

Transgender Japan, established in 2021, is dedicated to creating a secure and mutually supportive environment for all trans individuals in Japan. Their key activities include leading the Tokyo Trans March on the Trans Day of Visibility (TDO) to enhance the visibility of the trans community. They also run an internship program that allows trans activists from across the country to gain experience in organizing trans-led events. Additionally, they host the 3rd Trans Congress, which features panels addressing various issues, including anti-gender movements. Transgender Japan is working to improve Japanese bath culture, making it more inclusive and trans-friendly. They publish an annual zine and engage in media monitoring, regularly releasing official statements to address relevant issues affecting the trans community.

Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG) (Fiji)

Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG), established in 2022 in Fiji, is dedicated to providing an open, safe, and inclusive space committed to challenging all forms of oppression, with a primary focus on underrepresented trans expressions of sex, gender, and sexuality. Their key activities include securing new office space and establishing the Vakasa-community hub, as well as recruiting a Project Coordinator. They are developing a strategic plan for 2025, strengthening internal governance, and consulting with stakeholders on formal registration of the organization. TAAG will host the National Vakasa Community Conference 2024 and the TAAG Higher Resilience Fundraising Ball 2024. They also plan to conduct baseline research as part of the National Trans Needs Analysis to inform the development of trans-affirming policies, focusing on issues like trans disability assessment, mental health, and suicide prevention. TAAG is reviving traditional art and creative skills to foster livelihood sustainability and build a community of custodians of traditional knowledge. The organization also provides weekly peer support, counseling, mentoring, or coaching for members in need, addressing psycho-social, educational, and other support needs. Additionally, they aim to increase funding to improve mental health facilities and mechanisms for the trans community. 

Young Pride Foundation (Thailand)

Young Pride Foundation (YPF), established in 2018, is one of the first trans youth-led communities in Thailand, founded by trans change makers who have successfully driven policy changes for trans rights. Their mission is to create inclusive and safe educational spaces for LGBTIQ+ rights in Thailand, while supporting the leadership of unheard voices, particularly trans and gender-diverse youth in Thai higher education institutions. YPF’s main activities include providing foundational support for operational efficiency, ensuring the long-term growth of trans youth movements in Thailand by hiring project and finance staff and securing office space. They also strengthen the trans youth movement through leadership mentorship for 15 trans youth leaders from four regions of Thailand, focusing on developing advocacy skills, leadership qualities, and sustainable community-building strategies. Special attention is given to representing diverse intersections within the trans community. YPF engages leaders in monitoring discrimination in educational settings by collecting data and documenting cases, followed by developing advocacy plans to promote policy changes at institutional and governmental levels. Additionally, they host events, such as one in Chiang Mai, to showcase their advocacy tools, highlight trans experiences, and address the challenges and triumphs of trans youth in education. YPF further strengthens the trans youth community by providing platforms for connection, experience sharing, and mobilization.

Latin America and the Caribbean

THRIVE

Associação Grupo TransRevolução (Brazil)

Associação Grupo TransRevolução, established in 2015 in Brazil, is committed to combating, intervening, and taking decisive action against any form of violence directed towards the trans community in Rio de Janeiro. The group runs a medium-scale bakery named KuzinhaNem initiative and distributes hot meals to trans individuals in need. They also plan to renovate and reopen CasaNem RJ, a shelter for trans people. The group was a part of the Be Your Self Festival 2024, which showcased trans artists from the community and hosted Debate Councils alongside a vibrant musical program.

Colectivo Trans por la Libertad de Ser y Decidir, A. C. (Mexico)

Colectivo Trans por la Libertad de Ser y Decidir, A. C., founded in 2010, is a community-based organization of trans women. Their mission is to empower trans individuals as agents of social change, enabling them to drive their own development by replicating successful models, strengthening leadership, providing continuous training, and ensuring access to justice, good health, and quality of life. Their primary activities include distributing STI prevention supplies to trans women in locations such as street sex work points, salons, diners, and other businesses where sex work takes place. They also focus on strengthening the leadership of grassroots community leaders through in-person and remote training, meet-ups, and experience exchanges. The organization offers rapid STI testing, including HIV, with pre- and post-counseling, and provides support to individuals who test positive, ensuring they receive prompt medical attention and antiretroviral treatment. Additionally, they link and assist members with serious health issues who lack knowledge or financial resources, accompanying them to specialized hospitals for necessary care. 

Sembrando Resistencias (Puerto Rico)

Sembrando Resistencias, founded in 2021, is a transfeminist ecosystem composed of trans, non-binary, and queer single parents, sex workers, immigrants, and Indigenous, Brown, and Black TNBCILBPA+ individuals. Their key activities include creating safe and equitable paid opportunities for trans and non-binary people within a transfeminist working culture. They coordinate Cosechándonxs, a farming laboratory where trans and non-binary individuals learn agroecological practices and ancestral knowledge while actively participating in land work and decision-making processes. In their self-sustainability efforts, they are working on a sustainable permanent chicken coop, a sprouting station, and a solar dehydrating station for crops used in their natural medicine and greenhouse. They also support the creation of a trans, non-binary, and queer agroecological network, allowing participants to launch their own projects and become self-employed. Sembrando Resistencias continues to weave transfeminist collaborations with other trans-led grassroots organizations by offering crops, agroecological support, and organizing healing events. They are creating an herbal library focused on transfeminism, agroecology, natural medicine, and botanical herbs for community use.

SEED

Belize Trans Colors (Belize)

Belize Trans Colors, founded in 2016, is dedicated to making significant contributions to the fight for equal rights and opportunities for trans people in Belize. Their main activities include convening a national meeting to develop a comprehensive national plan of action that will inform hate crime, anti-discrimination, and gender recognition lobbying strategies to encourage cabinet discussions on presenting related bills to parliament. They also hold workshops focused on the constitution and its application to the trans community. Additionally, Belize Trans Colors will conduct a gap assessment of national health plans to strengthen trans-specific health interventions within the Belize health system. The organization supports job-training programs for Afro-descendant trans individuals and provides psychosocial support services to Afro-descendant trans people, as well as organizing a parent support group.

FUNDACION SELENNA (Chile)

FUNDACION SELENNA, founded in 2018 in Chile, is dedicated to fostering the comprehensive development of students, promoting their confidence and ability to act with respect for the rights of all people, love for their environment, solidarity, dedication to quality work, and personal and social responsibility. The foundation currently supports 60 trans boys, girls, and non-binary youth within their educational community. Their main activities include providing legal representation and accompaniment to help children achieve their legal right to change their name and registered sex, as well as offering legal assistance in other areas for those unable to access registration changes by law. They also offer comprehensive health support through a multidisciplinary health program that includes doctors, endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and therapists to care for trans children and young people. FUNDACION SELENNA delivers training and workshops in schools, universities, companies, municipalities, and public spaces to ensure a dignified future for trans children and raise awareness about trans identities. Additionally, they have created a dedicated space to enhance educational skills and provide tools for trans girls up to the age of 21, aiming to prevent educational precarity and systemic violence. This space is led by 16-year-old trans girls, giving them agency over their decisions and ensuring the work aligns with their interests and needs.

Museo de Arte Transfemenino – México (Disparo Transexual) (Mexico)

Museo de Arte Transfemenino – México (Disparo Transexual), established in 2022, is dedicated to strengthening, enriching, and promoting the rights and benefits of art and culture for trans women. Their mission is to foster a community initiative by and for trans women, focusing on psycho-emotional and economic well-being. Their key activities include creating a physical space led by trans women for artistic production, serving as a historic and unique gathering place in Mexico. They aim to enhance collaborative and community processes by accompanying elder trans women to preserve and share transfeminine memory and history through art and culture. The organization also runs the public program “Festival of Trans Women Artists,” which provides mutual support, training, and economic autonomy for the professionalization of trans women’s artistic knowledge and practices. Additionally, they lead a social and artistic program to raise awareness about the use of implants (silicone, polymers, oils) among young and adult trans women from a community and anti-punitive perspective.

Rosa Rabiosa (Peru)

Rosa Rabiosa, established in 2014 in Peru, is dedicated to strengthening trans and non-binary communities in their diversity to combat the structural violence that threatens their human rights. They aim to promote the social movement of trans and non-binary people through political participation and transfeminist artistic creativity. The group publishes Viole(n)ta magazine, which showcases the work of trans and non-binary artists and intellectuals. Rosa Rabiosa organizes events with trans and non-binary groups around International Trans Day of Remembrance, including vigils, sit-ins, conversations, and the “Transcestres” cultural day. They host the 3rd Meeting of Transmasculine and Non-binary People (assigned female at birth) to address challenges faced by these individuals from various regions in Peru and to strengthen the leadership of activists. They organized Travestisuyu, a national laboratory for trans and non-binary leaders from across Peru, with the goal of building a stronger social movement. Finally, they plan to create an audiovisual platform for transfeminist advocacy, supporting the documentation and dissemination of protests, vigils, and complaints led by the trans and non-binary movement.

Sindicato Independiente Amanda Jofre (Chile)

The Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadoras Sexuales Trans “Amanda Jofré,” founded in 2004 in Chile, is a membership-based organization composed of Chilean and migrant trans women. Their mission is to effectively support the human rights of their community through political advocacy, participation, and strengthening organizational actions related to health, education, work, and justice. They have successfully launched Training School for Activists, with two 4-month training circles led by experienced trans activists. The organization engages in prison work with support from trans-friendly attorneys from the Corporación de Abogades del Pueblo (CODEPU) through periodic visits, distribution of hygiene products, and efforts to ensure the rights of incarcerated trans women are respected. They actively participate in marches and demonstrations to make their demands visible in the public sphere and host an annual agenda of meetings with decision-makers, including state ministers, national and international leaders, senators, and deputies. The Sindicato also prioritizes HIV and STI prevention and organizes social events, such as trips to the theater, movies, cultural events, and outings to the pool and beach, ensuring members, who often avoid these spaces due to fear of criminalization, can safely enjoy them. 

Eastern Europe and Central Asia

THRIVE

Transdocha (Kazakhstan)

Transdocha, a trans-led group of sex workers in Kazakhstan, focuses on supporting the trans community, particularly trans sex workers, by providing a range of services, including support groups, medical ethics education for specialists, and legal assistance through partner organizations and community efforts. Their main activities include continuing to provide mutual and psychological support groups for sex workers and transfeminine individuals, and courses in collaboration with an educational center, offering training in dressmaking, hairdressing, manicure, and programming. They also conduct training for commercial organizations and businesses on trans sensitivity and rights, while collecting a database of friendly employers. They are also establishing a volunteer school to support the organization’s growth. Moreover, Transdocha drafted an annual report on the situation of trans sex workers, collaborating with partners to present information to the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. They continue awareness-raising sessions with various specialists, offer direct support, and provide mini-sessions for medical professionals to expand their partner network.

TransCore (Romania)

TransCore, established in 2020 as a trans-led initiative branching off from MozaiQ’s 2018-2021 TRANScendent project, expanded its focus beyond workplace issues. The group runs Q Haus, a queer social hub and safe space. It employs current volunteers to organize events, network, consolidate funding, and ensure the center remains open throughout the day. TransCore also organizes larger events, such as LGBT History Month 2024 and Brasov Pride 2025, to promote visibility and community engagement. They continue their yearly binder giveaway for trans and non-binary AFAB youth and are working to secure therapy services for trans people at risk across the country, with a particular focus on systemic and experiential therapy, as well as emergency suicide prevention services.

SEED

Anonymous (Eastern Europe)

Estonian Trans Alliance (Estonia)

Estonian Trans Alliance (ETA), established in 2022, is dedicated to increasing the capabilities and visibility of the trans community, highlighting the issues trans individuals face, and advocating for their interests in Estonian society. Their primary activities include mobilizing and empowering the Estonian trans community through skills and capacity building. This involves holding peer-support groups, providing social media training for the trans community, conducting community outreach, offering event organizing training, and hosting community mobilization events. ETA also focuses on creating a more sustainable and intersectional management structure by improving their volunteer system. This includes workshops on “volunteer strategy development” and “best practices for working with volunteers,” the development of a volunteer strategy, and organizing eight monthly volunteer meetings to implement the strategy. 

Trans for Unity (Mongolia)

Trans for Unity, founded in 2024 in Mongolia, is dedicated to addressing societal challenges faced by trans individuals, promoting their equal inclusion, and creating a unified society through the empowerment and bonding of the trans community. The group provides capacity building to trans frontline defenders, expanding their knowledge. The organization plans to hold intensive training sessions with their executive team, collaborating with legal and medical specialists to deliver in-depth education on trans identities, human rights, gender concepts, and hormone replacement therapy. Following the completion of these training sessions, Trans for Unity will organize outreach events in collaboration with frontline defenders. These events will focus on three primary themes: healthcare, “One of Us” community listening events, and creating safe spaces for trans community activities. Additionally, they aim to expand their regional network by establishing connections with trans organizations in the Asia-Pacific region, such as the Asia Pacific Trans Network and the Tangerine Clinic.

Trans men initiative group – Our Club (Georgia)

The Trans Men’s Initiative Group, “Our Club,” was founded in Georgia in 2022 as the first informal trans initiative in the country exclusively focused on bringing together and representing trans men. The primary goal of the group is to strengthen trans community building in Georgia by organizing its members, creating support mechanisms, and raising awareness of trans issues. The group created a TikTok awareness campaign to highlight trans issues, held an event for Trans Day of Visibility that featured an exhibition by transgender artists. They also work with the parents of trans individuals by organizing meetings and creating a supportive space for them to share experiences and help each other navigate challenges. Additionally, they provide support for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and offer consultations with healthcare specialists.

 USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada

SEED

Anonymous

[The group] is a mobilizing force for the transgender migrant community, focused on dismantling barriers and fostering a world where transgender diversity is synonymous with cultural and social enrichment. With a presence that is both a manifesto and a movement, [their] mission goes beyond mere support – it is a revolution of identities. They offer empowerment programs through creative workshops and hold artistic residencies and cultural events that emphasize the power of art in social change. [The group] is at the forefront of advocating for transgender migrants in [country], addressing systemic discrimination, legal invisibility, and limited access to crucial services. [Their] mission, deeply rooted in advocacy for comprehensive policy reform and societal awareness, with a strong emphasis on art and culture as a vehicle, a vision of Europe where transgender migrants are fully recognized and respected.

Advocates Of the South (United States)

Advocates of the South (AOTS), established in 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia, is a social change organization dedicated to addressing stigma, trauma, and mass incarceration experienced by masculine TGNCI (transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex) individuals, as well as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. The group connects TGNCI community with trans- and intersex-friendly medical resources, such as doctors, health centers, hospitals, community-based organizations, and therapists. They also partner with three mental health and recovery centers in Atlanta to provide BIPOC TGNCI men with supportive therapy and counseling services. AOTS supports the Stop The Jails (S.S.T.I.) initiative, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of BIPOC TGNCI men impacted by the criminal justice system. This includes providing funds for phone calls, access to tablets, and basic necessities, as well as ensuring that incarcerated community members receive trans-affirming medical care and inclusive spiritual support. The organization also works to protect the rights of individuals with a criminal record, fighting against housing and employment discrimination. Additionally, AOTS provides $300-$500 microgrants to Black trans-led organizations across the country, supporting grassroots activism and social change efforts.

The Equality Clinic of Augusta (United States)

The Equality Clinic of Augusta, founded in 2013 in Augusta, Georgia, is a vital center of inclusivity and compassion, serving approximately 1,000 patients from across the Southeast, with some traveling from as far as Washington, DC. The clinic is grounded in the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Their project, Equality Clinic – Medical College of Georgia Transgender Gender Diverse (TGD) Community Partnership to Improve Gender Affirming Care Access and Outcomes, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their patients’ gender journeys by collecting self-reported sociodemographic data, healthcare access information, and mental health metrics related to gender-affirming care. The project, developed and approved by a TGD-led Research Advisory Committee, seeks to enhance the clinic’s care delivery in several ways. These improvements include bringing in specialists for services that are otherwise difficult to access, developing a needs-based assessment to better understand patient requirements, identifying socioeconomic and demographic barriers to care, introducing additional gender-affirming specialties such as speech therapy and physical therapy, and planning clinic expansion to address gaps in sociodemographic representation. The clinic primarily serves underinsured patients, all of whom fall below 200% of the federal poverty line, ensuring that care is available to those who need it most.

Papaya Kuir (Netherlands)

Papaya Kuir, founded in 2020, is a lesbo-transfeminist collective created by and for Latin American migrants and refugees residing in the Netherlands, as well as the broader community interested in their cause. The group advocates by participating in anti-racist and anti-patriarchal discussion panels, events and demonstrations and denouncing the problems that threaten their community. They provide emergency support via their own emergency response network in the Netherlands that support people during their transit processes: migratory, gender or sexual. They organize cultural and artistic events, such as queer cabarets, workshops, and parties, with the aim of cultivating a sense of belonging and facilitating processes of social transformation within the community.

Queer Trans Project (United States)

The Queer Trans Project is a Black-led and trans-led organization committed to providing gender-empowering resources to LGBTQ+ minorities, including gender, sexual, racial, and romantic minorities, to help them gain the power and confidence needed to drive social change. The group distributed at least 1,500 Build-a-Queer kits, launched a new Safety Kit that includes items for physical safety, drug overdose prevention, and safe sex practices, and supported 75 individuals with flights for gender-affirming care. They aim to increase funding through a recurring donor base and corporate sponsorships, establish an advocacy committee to oversee and expand their advocacy efforts, and form four new advocacy partnerships. Additionally, they are campaigning to create a new holiday dedicated to celebrating Trans BIPOC individuals, in collaboration with other advocacy organizations, social media influencers, and partners.

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