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Building Resilience and Solidarity: Annual Report 2023

As our community faces growing marginalization, the denial of human rights, discriminatory legislation, restricted access to healthcare, and criminalization for simply being who we are, the need for a strong organization to support global trans movements in the most marginalized regions is more critical than ever. The ITF plays a vital role in this mission.

The ITF operates as a global community-based participatory fund, with trans voices at the core of our decision-making and governance processes. We are dedicated to fostering strong leadership within the organization, thereby strengthening global trans communities. Once again, the ITF has successfully increased our grantmaking, provided ongoing support, and extended our reach to more vulnerable groups worldwide.

We are thrilled to share a moment of pride and accomplishment with you as we present our Annual Report for 2023. This document encapsulates the collective efforts, successes, and milestones that have defined our journey throughout the year. 2023 marked the seventh year of the ITF’s existence, and we are excited to continue building on our achievements.

Message from the Director

Dear friends and colleagues,

Trans communities across the globe are under threat, facing coordinated attacks on our rights and organizations, and the rollback of protections. This is happening within the context of the move towards authoritarianism and the emergence of a wide range of antigender actors who are attempting to solidify the concept that gender is an invention and an “ideology.” Trans and gender diverse people are specifically targeted by anti-gender actors because our existences challenge the traditional gender binary and the rigid gender roles that come with it. The result is that trans people are routinely vilified and scapegoated, our identities and experiences weaponized. But we are fighting back, our movements are resolutely promoting human rights, emphatically challenging misinformation, and enthusiastically celebrating trans joy. This is also a critical moment to work intersectionally and across movements, as we join forces with broader LGBTQI and feminist organizations who are also pushing back against anti-gender movements and undemocratic forces.

The ITF is working hard to move money to the frontlines to do this critical work. In 2023, we awarded $1,257,317 to trans-led organizations, which was a 151% increase in annual grantmaking from our first grant cycle. Since our inception we have moved $6,288,817 to 182 trans-led organizations in 94 countries. The organizations we support are building movements. In imagining what support could look like, the ITF has also expanded how we make grants. As a participatory grantmaker, the vast majority of our funds (91%) are allocated through our main grant cycle, which is done through an open call and where every grant and every dollar is determined by the Grant Making Panel.This year, through a parallel participatory process, we also invested in a 3-year project on Legal Gender Recognition in Latin America and the Caribbean with the support of the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. Acknowledging that participatory processes can often take a long time, the ITF formalized our Opportunity and Crisis Fund, a small pot of funding that allows the ITF to respond more nimbly to emergent needs.

2023 was also a year of reflection for the ITF and an opportunity to take stock of where we are through the completion of the 5-year Impact Evaluation. The resounding message from this process is that the ITF is critical and plays a vital role in supporting and sustaining global trans movements, now more than ever. As one grantee partner vividly stated, “If the community are the movers and shakers – ITF is the spine.” Throughout the pages of this Annual Report, you will see what some of our members, grantee partners and funders have said about our work. But if I could summarize – we have a lot done but a lot more to do.

In order to effectively resource global trans movements to respond to the challenges they face, we strongly believe in investing in the ITF as an organization to ensure we are a robust and sustainable mechanism to move money. In 2023, we continued to support trans leadership by welcoming new members to our Board and Grant Making Panel, we implemented a new grants management system and we developed new policies and procedures to guide our work.

As we confront the threats trans movements are facing, I take inspiration from the incredible work that our grantee partners are doing in the face of so much opposition. These effective, innovative, and creative responses are building stronger trans movements across the globe. As you read about their work, I hope you will share the same hope and determination that I feel – we will fight and we will win.

Broden Giambrone Executive Director 

The ITF extends our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, Board, Grant Making Panel, grantee partners, and all our allies and collaborators who are moving funds to trans movements worldwide and advocating for trans liberation.

This vital work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our funders: Arcus Foundation, American Jewish World Service, Dreilinden, The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), Ford Foundation, Foundation for a Just Society, GiveOut, Loewe, MacKenzie Scott through the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), Open Society Foundations, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and numerous individual donors.

We would like to thank outgoing Board members Alejandra Collette Spinetti Núñez, Chaber, Zhan Chaim, and Barbra Wangare for all their work while on our Board. We are excited to see the amazing projects our global family will bring to fruition this year.

Future Frontiers of Trans Activism

The ITF is very excited to invite you to an upcoming webinar on June 12. Titled “Future Frontiers of Trans Activism” this virtual event serves as a platform to delve into the emerging strategies, aspirations, obstacles, and achievements of trans activists worldwide. We aim to foster dialogue that inspires participants to envision bold futures and take concrete steps towards ensuring that trans rights are not just recognized, but celebrated. This webinar will feature 4 speakers who are trans activists representing various regions. Stay tuned as we announce them soon!

Our goal is to provide a space for sharing diverse backgrounds, insights, struggles, and challenges. We firmly believe that through solidarity, transparent communication, and collaborative efforts, we can ignite meaningful collective action.

Date: June 12th

Time: 10 AM ET

Platform: Zoom

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_u7FsDbbKQf6o02d2tu951w

Please mark your calendar and join us for what promises to be an empowering discussion. Your presence and participation are invaluable as we collectively strive for a future where trans voices are uplifted and trans rights are fully realized.

ITF at HRFN Conference in Georgia

Viviane Simakawa, a Program Officer for the International Trans Fund, co-hosted two notable sessions during the Human Rights Funders Network Conference from April 24 to 26, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. On April 25th, she facilitated a Lightning Talk titled “Trans Rights and the Power of Movement Resourcing,” emphasizing the role of funding in promoting queer liberation and movement building. Additionally, Viviane led a session on “The Power and Responsibility of Being Allies to Trans Individuals, Organizations, and Movements.” This session aimed to enhance funders’ and allies’ understanding of effective support for trans activism by discussing successes, challenges, and strategic grantmaking practices. Furthermore, the ITF contributed to the Open Gallery, which highlighted the transformative impact of trans-led organizations through media.

8th Grant Cycle Update

The ITF is thrilled to provide an update on the progress of our 8th grant cycle. Currently, the GMP is diligently reviewing and scoring the eligible applications we received. Each application undergoes a thorough evaluation process to ensure that it aligns with our mission and that the applying groups are trans-led. The dedication and expertise of our GMP members plays a crucial role in this stage, as they carefully assess each proposal based on various criteria.

As we move forward, the highest-scoring applications will advance to the next phase of review at the GMP in-person meeting, scheduled to take place in Mexico City in June. This meeting presents an opportunity for in-depth discussions and deliberations. At this meeting, the GMP members will select the 8th cycle grantee partners and allocate funding. We look forward to the outcomes of the selection process and the positive impact it will have on supporting trans-led initiatives.

Over the past three months, the GMP has actively engaged in a series of virtual meetings, encompassing a wide range of topics and activities. These sessions have served as opportunities for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and fostering team cohesion.

Training sessions have provided GMP members with essential insights to effectively carry out their roles in the application review process. Regional discussions, where each participant had a chance to present their local context, have deepened the understanding of some of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by trans communities in different parts of the world.

A team cohesion meeting provided an informal space for GMP members to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with one another. Additionally, a recent check-in meeting allowed the GMP to address any questions or concerns related to the application review process, ensuring clarity and alignment moving forward.

Here is an overview of the applications received in our 8th grant cycle by region and language. This diverse array of submissions reflects the global reach and impact of our work at the ITF. The total number of eligible applications we recieved this year is 382.

We extend our gratitude to all the applicants who shared their inspiring projects and visions with us. We look forward to the selection process ahead and the opportunity to support impactful initiatives!

Deputy Director of the ITF at CSW68

The ITF’s Deputy Director recently participated in the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), a pivotal event focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment. During the CSW68 panel organized by the Global Philanthropy Project (GPP) and Ford Foundation, the ITF emphasized the critical issue of underfunding for trans groups and movements worldwide, urging urgent support. With over 60 in-person attendees and more than 100 participating online, the event provided a platform for vital discussions, highlighting the intersectionality of gender and funding disparities.

This engagement underscores our commitment to philanthropic advocacy by actively participating in high-profile events. By leveraging our platform to address systemic issues such as underfunding for trans groups and movements, we advocate for transformative change and equitable resource allocation.

Message from Trans Youth Initiative Uganda

Please read below an urgent message from our grantee partner Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda:

“On April 3, 2024, the Constitutional Court pronounced itself on the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The ruling was delivered by a panel of five justices, led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, who collectively upheld the Act’s constitutionality except for Sections 3(2)c, 9, 11(2)d, and 14. The Court’s ruling preserves the majority of the Act, including its most deadliest provisions that continue to criminalize homosexuality and allow for the death penalty in cases of ‘aggravated homosexuality.’

This ruling marks a critical moment in our ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The partial acknowledgment of the Act’s infringement on constitutional rights highlights the complexities of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the current legal and cultural context of Uganda. While we celebrate the court’s recognition of these fundamental rights, we also recognize the significant challenges that lie ahead, given the Act’s broader provisions remain in effect.

This decision has already refueled hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda, reinforcing an environment of fear and persecution. Less than a month ago, the same judicial system upheld the deregistration and shutdown of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a decision that seriously endangers the lives and rights of LGBTQ+ people in Uganda and has an impact on LGBTQ+ organizing as the regulatory environment increasingly stifles civil society.

In light of these events, we renew our call for the full repeal of this draconian law. we urgently call on you, our trusted partner, to join us in this demand.

Since the passing of the Act, we have documented alarming increases in arrests, violence, job losses, evictions, hate speech, blackmail, harassment, threats, property damage, cyberbullying, torture, and mob justice fueled by the anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric of the Act. The mental health of rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers and gender diverse youth is deteriorating under this weight, with reported cases of depression, anxiety, and stress rising alarmingly.

While the court’s ruling is a mixed outcome, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fight for dignity, equality, and the fundamental human rights of all.

We call upon you, to stand with us during this critical time. Your solidarity has never been more critical. Your support is more important than ever as we navigate the implications of this ruling and strategize our next steps.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity you have shown thus far. In the face of adversity, it is the unity and commitment of our allies that embolden us to persevere and strive towards a just and inclusive world for every individual, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation.

With deepest appreciation and in solidarity.”

Welcoming New Voices: Meet Our Latest GMP Members

The ITF is excited to introduce our 2024 Grant Making Panel (GMP). As a participatory grantmaker, we wholeheartedly embrace the principle of ‘nothing about us without us.’ We firmly believe that decisions regarding funding should be made by those most directly impacted by it. These 8 remarkable trans activists bring a wealth of diverse expertise and hail from various corners of the globe. They will join the existing 8 members of the GMP and are entrusted with the crucial task of evaluating eligible applications and selecting our grantee partners, whose selections are subsequently ratified by the Board. The GMP will start reviewing applications for the 8th grant cycle next week, with decisions expected to be announced in July. Learn more about the GMP here.

GMP Training Session. February 2024

We recognize the importance of having a diverse and representative panel to ensure that the funds we distribute are allocated to those who need it. We believe that having trans activists from all over the world on the GMP will enable us to gain deeper insights into the issues facing trans communities. This year, the GMP includes members from Argentina, Colombia, Eswatini, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Italy, Vietnam, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Slovenia, UK and USA.

Due to the increasing attacks on trans communities, we also have a GMP member who cannot be named for safety and security reasons. We believe their insight and experiences strengthen our grantmaking and participatory process but also this reality underscores the increased oppression facing our communities.

We are excited to work with our new GMP members and look forward to the positive impact their involvement will have on our grantmaking process.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community

We are thrilled to share the outcomes of our recent Impact Evaluation Webinar, an online event where we delved into the findings that shape our journey ahead. The session was a remarkable opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate successes with our community, and identify areas for growth.

Throughout the webinar, presentations from our consultant, Melissa Extein, and the ITF team illuminated the impact of our work over the past years, highlighting the strides we’ve made in building the ITF, moving money to trans movements, mobilizing resources, and participating in philanthropic advocacy. Engaging in discussions and a Q&A session provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas.

All speaker presentations in English and Spanish are available to view. You can read the Impact Evaluation here. For those who couldn’t attend or wish to revisit the discussion, the recording of the webinar is now available on our YouTube channel. Please scroll down to watch the full video.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this webinar and who participated in the Impact Evaluation. Your involvement underscores the collective commitment to advancing trans rights and empowerment globally.

As we move forward, we are more determined than ever to continue our mission of supporting and sustaining trans movements worldwide. Together, let’s harness the momentum to drive positive change and chart a course toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Launching our 5-year Impact Evaluation

Over our first five grant cycles, the ITF successfully mobilized and increased access to many resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, including awarding US$3.867M to 133 grantee partners in 80 countries. (We are currently accepting applications for the 8th grant cycle. The funds allocated, the number of groups receiving grants, and the range of countries they originate from have all grown substantially). We have advocated within philanthropy to address broader funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe. Trans movements are now stronger and made up of more defined, sustainable organizations. As a mechanism to support trans-led groups, we have grown into an established, respected, independent organization. The majority of participants who contributed to the Impact Evaluation shared that the ITF is a wonderful thing – they mainly just want more!

Like all organizations, the ITF has growth edges and continues to learn and improve as we strive to respond to the diverse and urgent needs of global trans movements. The work ahead for the ITF is clear: grow and advocate to generate even more sustainable resources for trans movements, so that all trans-led groups who want and need funding and other support can find it from us and other donors.

Join us for a presentation on January 24th at 10 AM ET as we delve into the findings of our Impact Evaluation. Whether you’ve been a part of our story or are curious about our mission, your presence is valued. Let’s explore the progress made and chart the course ahead. Save the date, join us on Zoom, and be a part of the ongoing narrative of empowerment and support for trans-led groups worldwide. To reserve your spot register here.

Message from the ITF Director:

Trans movements across the globe are facing increased challenges and pressures, including the rise of the anti-gender movement, coordinated attacks on our rights and organizations, and the rollback of protections. Funding for trans movements has always been urgently needed, but now more than ever, our survival depends on it and our movements are poised to absorb and utilize funds. Since our formation, the ITF has been a crucial mechanism to move money to the frontlines of trans activism, to fund trans-led organizations doing the work on the ground.

But at the ITF we have also aspired to more – to building an independent, sustainable, and visionary organization that centers trans leadership and decision-making, that provides nuanced wrap-around support, accompaniment and capacity-building to our grantee partners and trans-led groups, and that effectively influences philanthropy to channel more resources to our movements.

At the ITF, we have always engaged in open discussion and reflection at all levels of the organization, resulting in revising our grantmaking, shifting our processes, reassessing our goals, and reimagining our work over the years. This nimbleness and flexibility is embedded in our commitment to accountability, transparency, and participation, but as we look back over the past five years, how are we really doing? In this external impact evaluation, we wanted to examine how our work aligns with our mission and answer the question, are we having the impact that we want and need to have?

This impact evaluation has given us an opportunity to delve deep into how the ITF works, what we are doing well and what we should do better. By engaging a wide variety of stakeholders, this evaluation platforms diverse voices and viewpoints, and we are listening. The resounding message is that the ITF is critical and plays a vital role in supporting and sustaining global trans movements, now more than ever. As one grantee partner vividly states, “If the community are the movers and shakers – ITF is the spine.”

But what is also clear is that there are ways to improve and deepen our work. We are still a young organization, and sometimes we spread ourselves too thin and struggle to balance the competing demands. In the recommendations section, there are concrete suggestions for improvement and the ITF Board and staff are committed to reviewing, learning, and adapting so we can continue to effectively and meaningfully support and resource global trans movements in their critical, life-saving work. I would like to thank everyone who took part in this evaluation through the surveys and interviews. We are grateful for your participation and feedback. I would also like to express my gratitude to Melissa Extein, our external evaluator who designed the evaluation process, interpreted the results, drafted the recommendations, and brings alive the insight you will read in the following pages.

Broden Giambrone
Director

This evaluation was conducted by Melissa Extein, Psy.D. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in this evaluation, including past and present grantee partners, past and present members of our Steering Committee and Board of Directors, Grant Making Panel, staff, donors, and affiliated organizations. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our funders, who are not only driving critical resources to trans communities but also trusting and investing in trans leadership. Special thanks to Upasana Agarwal (Ayan) for graphic design.

Read the Impact Evaluation

Celebrating ITF’s Year of Achievements

As we bid farewell to another incredible year, we can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve taken together. The International Trans Fund (ITF) has experienced a year filled with achievements, growth, and memorable moments, and we’re excited to share these highlights with you!

This year, we successfully allocated grants for our 7th grant cycle, supporting initiatives that empower trans communities globally. Your commitment to positive change continues to drive the impactful work of ITF.

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our 8th grant cycle, providing another opportunity to fund projects that champion the rights and well-being of trans communities. Your innovative ideas and projects inspire us, and we look forward to supporting them in the coming cycle. Learn more here.

To enhance our efficiency and effectiveness, we’ve migrated to a new grantmaking platform. This upgrade ensures a smoother experience for our grant applicants and reviewers, streamlining the process and removing barriers.

We celebrated a significant milestone by hosting our first in-person Grant Making Panel (GMP) meeting since 2019. GMP members convened in Bangkok, Thailand to allocate funding to groups.

In addition to the strides we’ve made in grantmaking and community impact, we are delighted to share another significant development from this year: the expansion of our organization. Welcoming new members to our Grantmaking Panel (GMP) and Board has infused fresh perspectives and expertise into our community.

Here’s a visual journey through the highlights of the year:

ITF Communications Associate Luca Lukina (on the right) and former GMP member Daniyar Orsekov (second from the right) at the Central Asian LGBTQ Rights Convening in Istanbul, Turkey (March)
Capacity Building Webinar on Zoom (April)
GMP Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand (July)
ITF Deputy Director Chivuli Ukwimi (on the left) at the PAI Conference 2023 in Port Louis, Mauritius (August)
Staff Retreat in New York, USA (October)
ITF Program Officer Viviane Simakawa (on the right) at the Trans Rights Convening organized by INCLO in Bogotá, Colombia (September)
Board Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand (November)

Using this opportunity, we would like to share our 5-Year Impact Evaluation and invite you to join us for the Impact Evaluation Launch virtual event on January 24, 2024. This presentation will provide an overview of the impact we’ve collectively achieved in the past 5 years. We look forward to sharing the stories, successes, and transformative outcomes that have shaped our journey. Save the date, and let’s explore the meaningful impact we’ve made together. To reserve your spot register here.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support and active participation of each member of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for being an integral part of the ITF.

As we welcome the coming year, let’s continue to learn, grow, and innovate together.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!