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New Year, New Leadership at ITF

New Year, New Leadership at ITF

 

As we enter a new year, the International Trans Fund (ITF) also celebrates a significant milestone: 2026 is our 10th year of resourcing trans-led movements across the world! This moment invites both reflection and renewal, honouring the people and practices that have shaped ITF, while stepping forward with clarity and intention into what comes next. To kick off this milestone year, we want to share some exciting updates and news with our community.

Transitions on our Team

 

This year brings important leadership transitions within our team. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chivuli Ukwimi, whose time with ITF coincided with a period of significant institutional growth. Chivuli’s leadership was grounded in a strong commitment to social justice and trans community connection, shaped by her lived experience as well as her long-standing work across philanthropy and civil society. As Chivuli transitions out of ITF, we thank her for the care, insight, and dedication she brought to strengthening our engagement with global trans movements, and we wish her continued success in her next chapter.

 

We are also pleased to share that Viviane Simakawa has stepped into the role of Deputy Director. Viviane has been an integral part of the ITF since 2020, serving as Program Officer and previously as a member of the ITF Steering Committee. A transfeminist activist, researcher, and economist based in Brazil, Viviane brings deep institutional knowledge and political clarity to this role. Her work is informed by years of engagement with trans depathologization efforts and locally rooted initiatives in Latin America, as well as her research experiences in Trans, Queer, Gender, and Feminist Studies. As Deputy Director, Viviane will continue to strengthen ITF’s commitment to resourcing trans movements with care, accountability, and a long-term vision.

 

A Big Welcome to our New Program Officers!

As part of this new chapter, we are also delighted to welcome two new Program Officers, Hua and Pau, to the ITF team.

 

Hua  Boonyapisomparn will join us as the new Program Officer for East, South, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Hua is a Thai transfeminist activist and movement builder with over two decades of experience advancing the rights, health, and dignity of trans and gender-diverse communities. Her work has been central to major policy and advocacy wins in Thailand, including marriage equality and access to gender-affirming healthcare. Hua brings deep regional knowledge, a strong commitment to intersectional justice, and a long history of trans-led movement building across Asia and beyond.

 

Pau González Sánchez will join us as the new Program Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. Pau is a Panamanian trans masculine human rights advocate with extensive experience in strategic litigation, grassroots organizing, and international advocacy. Pau’s work bridges movement memory, policy change, and community leadership, including through documenting trans masculine histories in Latin America and building alliances across sectors. His approach is firmly rooted in community-driven, intersectional practice.

 

Read more about Hua and Pau here!

 

As ITF enters our 10th year of impact, we are energized to welcome new perspectives and deepen our collective work in support of trans movements worldwide. We remain firmly rooted in our founding commitment to trans-led resourcing, while continuing to evolve in response to the urgent and changing realities facing trans communities globally. With deep gratitude for those who have shaped our journey, and fresh momentum from those joining us, we move forward into this next chapter with purpose, solidarity, and hope.

Apply Now: Program Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean

Program Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean

Reports to: Executive Director ⬫ Location: Remote ⬫ Closing Date: December 5, 2025

Apply here.

About the Organization
The International Trans Fund (ITF) is the only global participatory grantmaker that is exclusively dedicated to supporting trans-led groups as they work to secure rights for trans people and improve their lived realities. The ITF envisions a network of robust, resilient, and well-resourced trans organizations and movements working inclusively and intersectionally to increase safety and liberation for trans people worldwide.

The mission of the ITF is to mobilize sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe. The ITF is incorporated in Canada but has staff working in multiple regions. Since 2017, the ITF has awarded $10 million USD to 260 grantee partners in 104 countries.

About the Role
We are seeking a colleague to work in a fast-paced environment where details matter because ultimately, our daily decisions and actions have to serve and meet the needs of trans-led movements across different global contexts. As a team, we value openness, collaboration, and the instinct to seek support and input. We also value curiosity and a willingness to experiment with new practices to improve our work.

We acknowledge that individuals who experience multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. For this role, we encourage applications from those who are deeply connected to trans-led movements, passionate about movement-building, power-building, and community organizing, and who have strong roots in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Personal Qualities (personality traits, interests and preferences that describe you)

  • Deep connections to trans movements.
  • Strong people skills: personable, approachable and responsive.
  • Passionate about building and fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal direction.
  • Comfortable taking the lead when necessary to move things forward.
  • Creative in solving problems and bringing fresh thinking to obstacles.
  • Ability to work remotely and to work collaboratively with a team.
  • Open to discussing and exchanging on work with colleagues.
  • Holds the instinct to pull together as a team and to support others around you.
  • Invested in a positive work environment: shared purpose and shared wellbeing.

Knowledge (specialist expertise, experience, or access to networks that you bring to the role)

  • Direct and in-depth understanding of the different issues that face trans movements in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Appreciation of the power dynamics that shape grantmaking relationships and a commitment to building trust, two-way accountability, and mutual respect with grantee organizations.

Skills

Things you can do independently and effectively:

  • Work collaboratively with trans movements across Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Communicate in a clear, authentic, and engaging way with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including activists, community members, and funders.
  • Design, develop, and deliver trainings and presentations.
  • Represent ITF in various contexts with professionalism and integrity.
  • Analyze different contexts and situations to develop tailored, sustainable, and systemic solutions.
  • Participate in collaborative decision-making, co-creation, and planning.
  • Manage your workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and plan thoughtfully to meet your own and others’ deadlines.
  • Navigate unfamiliar contexts and step outside of your comfort zone when necessary.
  • Offer and receive coaching and peer mentoring with colleagues.
  • Translate visions and ideas into actionable plans.
  • Facilitate shared learning processes to strengthen our work and practices.

Program Officer Accountabilities
(what colleagues can rely on you to do)

General

  • Manage the Latin America and the Caribbean grantmaking portfolio, including outreach to applicants, soliciting input from trans activists, and preparing grant summaries.
  • Build and maintain relationships with grantee partners through ongoing communication, support and accompaniment, networking, and occasional site visits.
  • Engage with trans-led groups and leaders to identify key issues, emerging needs, and opportunities for ITF’s work, including convening partners and stakeholders where appropriate.
  • Collaborate with the Programs team on grantee compliance, due diligence, and grants administration, while contributing to ongoing staff learning.
  • Stay informed about key developments, trends, and challenges facing trans organizations in this region and globally.

 

Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance

  • Provide ongoing accompaniment and technical support to grantee partners, including responding to their capacity-building needs, offering guidance on grant management, organizational strengthening, and strategic planning, and connecting them to relevant resources, mentors, or peer-learning opportunities.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve tools, templates, and guidance materials for grantseekers and grantee partners to strengthen their ability to apply for funding, implement grants effectively, and sustain their work.
  • Identify common challenges faced by grantee partners and help design responsive capacity-building initiatives, such as webinars, workshops, peer exchange spaces, and resource-sharing platforms.

Philanthropic Advocacy

  • Represent ITF at conferences, donor collaboratives, and affinity groups to advance our philanthropic advocacy goals, share insights from trans-led movements, and help influence funding practices.
  • Strengthen relationships with donors and philanthropic partners, contributing to ITF’s resource mobilization efforts through information-sharing, presenting impact stories, and participating in strategy discussions.
  • Elevate the voices and needs of trans-led organizations in philanthropic spaces, advocating for more equitable, flexible, and sustained funding practices.

Cross Teamwork

  • Collaborate closely with Program Officers, the Grant Manager, and the broader Program and Finance Team to address a wide range of priorities, including understanding regional political dynamics affecting NGO regulations and payment mechanisms; planning and managing grantmaking portfolios; coordinating strategic discussions on multi-year and exit grants; overseeing fiscal sponsorship relationships; troubleshooting grant-related challenges; and supporting other cross-cutting programmatic needs

Reporting & Evaluation

  • Conduct data analysis on ITF’s grantmaking to inform internal stakeholders and support the preparation of dockets (lists of recommended grantee partners for funding).
  • Develop data reports and visualizations for funder reporting, trend identification, and to help inform ITF’s strategies and responses to the needs of trans communities.
  • Prepare grant-related information and documentation for ITF’s annual audit.
  • Contribute to additional organizational priorities as needed, including strengthening internal systems, supporting culture-building initiatives, and planning and facilitating staff retreats.

Additional Considerations 

  • The salary is $65,000 USD/year.
  • Applicants must be bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong communication skills in both languages.
  • This position is remote. ITF is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
  • As one of the few trans-led funders in the philanthropic space, we are committed to expanding the circle of trans people active in this sector. Trans people are encouraged to apply.
  • We are committed to representing the diversity that exists across the trans community. We especially welcome applicants who are typically underrepresented in leadership positions, including trans women and feminine people, people of color, Black folks, sex workers, people with disabilities, people born or who originate from a global majority country are encouraged to apply.

We continue to strive to make our workplace accessible and look for ways to challenge white supremacist culture. We acknowledge that we aren’t there yet, we recognise this is ongoing work for the organization, and we know that this will require us to demonstrate – rather than describe – our commitment in the practices of the organization.

Deadline

The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.

Application Steps

  1. CV & Written Responses
    Submit your CV and respond to the questions, outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the position.
  2. Interview with Role-Based Tasks (by invitation)
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview, which will include role-related tasks. This process is designed to understand how you approach the work, learn about your working style, and provide you an opportunity to hear more about ITF’s day-to-day work environment.

We will inform candidates of the outcome of their application at each step.

For more information: www.transfund.org

Apply Now: Program Officer – East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific

Program Officer – East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific

Reports to: Executive Director ⬫ Location: Remote ⬫ Closing Date: December 5, 2025

Apply here.

About the Organization
The International Trans Fund (ITF) is the only global participatory grantmaker that is exclusively dedicated to supporting trans-led groups as they work to secure rights for trans people and improve their lived realities. The ITF envisions a network of robust, resilient, and well-resourced trans organizations and movements working inclusively and intersectionally to increase safety and liberation for trans people worldwide.

The mission of the ITF is to mobilize sustainable resources for strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans groups across the globe. The ITF is incorporated in Canada but has staff working in multiple regions. Since 2017, the ITF has awarded almost $10 million USD to 260 grantee partners in 104 countries.

About the Role
We are seeking a colleague to work in a fast-paced environment where details matter because ultimately, our daily decisions and actions have to serve and meet the needs of trans-led movements across different global contexts. As a team, we value openness, collaboration, and the instinct to seek support and input. We also value curiosity and a willingness to experiment with new practices to improve our work.

We acknowledge that individuals who experience multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. For this role, we encourage applications from those who are deeply connected to trans-led movements, passionate about movement-building, power-building, and community organizing, and who have strong roots in the East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific region.

Personal Qualities (personality traits, interests and preferences that describe you)

  • Deep connections to trans movements.
  • Strong people skills: personable, approachable and responsive.
  • Passionate about building and fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal direction.
  • Comfortable taking the lead when necessary to move things forward.
  • Creative in solving problems and bringing fresh thinking to obstacles.
  • Ability to work remotely and to work collaboratively with a team.
  • Open to discussing and exchanging on work with colleagues.
  • Holds the instinct to pull together as a team and to support others around you.
  • Invested in a positive work environment: shared purpose and shared wellbeing.

Knowledge (specialist expertise, experience, or access to networks that you bring to the role)

  • Direct and in-depth understanding of the different issues that face trans movements in East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
  • Appreciation of the power dynamics that shape grantmaking relationships and a commitment to building trust, two-way accountability, and mutual respect with grantee organizations.

Skills

Things you can do independently and effectively:

  • Work collaboratively with trans movements across East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
  • Communicate in a clear, authentic, and engaging way with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including activists, community members, and funders.
  • Design, develop, and deliver trainings and presentations.
  • Represent ITF in various contexts with professionalism and integrity.
  • Analyze different contexts and situations to develop tailored, sustainable, and systemic solutions.
  • Participate in collaborative decision-making, co-creation, and planning.
  • Manage your workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and plan thoughtfully to meet your own and others’ deadlines.
  • Navigate unfamiliar contexts and step outside of your comfort zone when necessary.
  • Offer and receive coaching and peer mentoring with colleagues.
  • Translate visions and ideas into actionable plans.
  • Facilitate shared learning processes to strengthen our work and practices.

Program Officer Accountabilities (what colleagues can rely on you to do)

General

  • Manage the East, South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific grantmaking portfolio, including outreach to applicants, soliciting input from trans activists, and preparing grant summaries.
  • Build and maintain relationships with grantee partners through ongoing communication, support and accompaniment, networking, and occasional site visits.
  • Engage with trans-led groups and leaders to identify key issues, emerging needs, and opportunities for ITF’s work, including convening partners and stakeholders where appropriate.
  • Collaborate with the Programs team on grantee compliance, due diligence, and grants administration, while contributing to ongoing staff learning.
  • Stay informed about key developments, trends, and challenges facing trans organizations in this region and globally.

Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance

  • Provide ongoing accompaniment and technical support to grantee partners, including responding to their capacity-building needs, offering guidance on grant management, organizational strengthening, and strategic planning, and connecting them to relevant resources, mentors, or peer-learning opportunities.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve tools, templates, and guidance materials for grantseekers and grantee partners to strengthen their ability to apply for funding, implement grants effectively, and sustain their work.
  • Identify common challenges faced by grantee partners and help design responsive capacity-building initiatives, such as webinars, workshops, peer exchange spaces, and resource-sharing platforms.

Philanthropic Advocacy

  • Represent ITF at conferences, donor collaboratives, and affinity groups to advance our philanthropic advocacy goals, share insights from trans-led movements, and help influence funding practices.
  • Strengthen relationships with donors and philanthropic partners, contributing to ITF’s resource mobilization efforts through information-sharing, presenting impact stories, and participating in strategy discussions.
  • Elevate the voices and needs of trans-led organizations in philanthropic spaces, advocating for more equitable, flexible, and sustained funding practices.

Cross Teamwork

  • Collaborate closely with Program Officers, the Grant Manager, and the broader Program and Finance Team to address a wide range of priorities, including understanding regional political dynamics affecting NGO regulations and payment mechanisms; planning and managing grantmaking portfolios; coordinating strategic discussions on multi-year and exit grants; overseeing fiscal sponsorship relationships; troubleshooting grant-related challenges; and supporting other cross-cutting programmatic needs

Reporting & Evaluation

  • Conduct data analysis on ITF’s grantmaking to inform internal stakeholders and support the preparation of dockets (lists of recommended grantee partners for funding).
  • Develop data reports and visualizations for funder reporting, trend identification, and to help inform ITF’s strategies and responses to the needs of trans communities.
  • Prepare grant-related information and documentation for ITF’s annual audit.
  • Contribute to additional organizational priorities as needed, including strengthening internal systems, supporting culture-building initiatives, and planning and facilitating staff retreats.

Additional Considerations 

  • The salary is $65,000 USD/year.
  • Strong English communication skills are essential. Additional language abilities, particularly relevant to the regions we serve, are highly desirable.
  • This position is remote. ITF is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
  • As one of the few trans-led funders in the philanthropic space, we are committed to expanding the circle of trans people active in this sector. Trans people are encouraged to apply.
  • We are committed to representing the diversity that exists across the trans community. We especially welcome applicants who are typically underrepresented in leadership positions, including trans women and feminine people, people of color, Black folks, sex workers, people with disabilities, people born or who originate from a global majority country are encouraged to apply.

We continue to strive to make our workplace accessible and look for ways to challenge white supremacist culture. We acknowledge that we aren’t there yet, we recognise this is ongoing work for the organization, and we know that this will require us to demonstrate – rather than describe – our commitment in the practices of the organization.

Deadline

The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.

Application Steps

  1. CV & Written Responses
    Submit your CV and respond to the questions here, outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the position.
  2. Interview with Role-Based Tasks (by invitation)
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview, which will include role-related tasks. This process is designed to understand how you approach the work, learn about your working style, and provide you an opportunity to hear more about ITF’s day-to-day work environment.

We will inform candidates of the outcome of their application at each step.

For more information: www.transfund.org

In Memory of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo

In Memory of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo

The ITF is deeply saddened to share the passing of Jholerina Brinnette Theodora Timbo.

Jholerina was a beloved trans rights activist from Namibia who carried her community with warmth, courage, and conviction. She was one of the elders of the Namibian trans movement — someone people turned to for guidance, laughter, and strength.

She founded Wings to Transcend Namibia in 2015 and led the organization until 2020. She was a Nelson Mandela Fellow (2018) and part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI, 2016). Most recently, she shared her voice and experience as a Grant Making Panel (GMP)  member at ITF in 2023 and 2024.

Considered a role model and mother of the trans community in Namibia, Jholerina was extremely proud and excited about the young trans movement. 

At a time when trans communities everywhere are facing growing challenges, losing Jholerina feels especially heavy. She was someone who built connection wherever she went and who reminded us that joy, care, and solidarity are forms of resistance. We have been enriched and changed by her presence.

We at ITF will continue to carry her in our work. Her legacy will guide and strengthen our shared struggle for justice, dignity, and liberation. 

 

Funding Trans Futures: Applications Now Open for ITF’s 10th Cycle

Today, we proudly launch the 10th grant cycle of International Trans Fund — a participatory fund shaped by trans activists and donors, dedicated to expanding resources for trans-led organizing. 

Applications are open now through December 1, 2025.
(If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to create or update your organizational profile!)

Apply via our grants portal.

What we will fund:

  • Activism for and by trans people: Trans-led groups trusted by their communities, working with resilience and vision.
  • Movement-focused approaches: Projects that go beyond service delivery to build collective power, dismantle structural barriers, and strengthen sustainable infrastructures.
  • Diverse voices and contexts: Initiatives led by trans communities navigating intersecting forms of marginalization.

Trans organizations and movements receive only a tiny fraction of global funding. ITF was created to help change that reality. Over nine grantmaking cycles, we have had the privilege of supporting  and learning from 260 grantee partners and together we’ve built and strengthened trans movements worldwide. If your group meets ITF’s eligibility criteria and is dedicated to advancing strong, vibrant trans movements, we warmly encourage you to apply.

There two kinds of grants:

1. SEED grants are 1-year grants for organizations that have not been funded by the ITF before. The grant amounts range from $10,000 USD to $25,000 USD.

2. THRIVE grants are 1-year grants available to ITF grantee partners that have previously held a SEED grant. The grant amounts range from $25,000 USD to $50,000 USD.

*We accept applications in English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Our Grants Manager, Shaman is here to tell you a bit more about our 10th Cycle:

You can also register for a Funding Webinar or Application Walkthrough here.

Do reach out to us on [email protected] in case you have queries.

Here are our Application Guidelines to help you with your application process:

Create or update your profile now

Webinars for the 10th Grant Cycle

ITF’s 10th Grant Cycle will open on October 6, 2025. Are you planning to apply and wondering how to get started? We want to make the process as simple and accessible as possible. That’s why ITF is offering two different types of online sessions to support you.

Funding Webinars

Our Funding Webinars are designed to help you understand ITF’s grantmaking process.

What you learn

  • Eligibility Criteria and Funding Priorities.
  • Tips on writing a strong and competitive application.
  • The overall grantmaking cycle.

Who should attend

  • Applicants who have never applied for ITF funding before.
  • Organizations that are unsure if they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Groups that have applied but were not selected for funding.

Application Walkthroughs

Our Application Walkthroughs provide a step-by-step guide through the entire application form.

What you Learn

  • Walk you through our grantmaking portal
  • Explain each section of the application
  • Share insider tips on what the review panel looks for in strong proposals.

Who should attend

  • Applicants who want to strengthen their application
  • Groups with limited experience writing grant proposals

Both sessions are excellent opportunities to gain clarity, build confidence, and improve your chances of success. Organizations are welcome to attend both funding webinars and Application Walkthrough.

Webinar Schedule

Funding Webinars

General Funding Webinar (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 6, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

Webinar de Financiamiento general (Spanish)
Oct 6, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Africa & Asia Focus Funding Webinar (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 7, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

Webinar América Central y México (Spanish)
Oct 8, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Caribbean (Regional) (English)
Oct 10, 11am ET / 11am Rep. Dominicana / 10am Jamaica

Register here.

Portuguese-speaking Webinar (Portuguese)
Oct 10, 3pm ET / 4pm ET Brasília / 8pm Luanda, Angola

Register here.

Application Walkthroughs

General Application Walkthrough (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 13, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

General Application Walkthrough Session 1 (Spanish)
Oct 13, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

Africa & Asia Focused Application Walkthrough (English with Russian, French and Chinese translation)
Oct 15, 7am ET / 1pm South Africa / 6pm Bangkok, Thailand

Register here.

General Application Walkthrough Session 2
Oct 15, 11am ET / 9am México DF / 12pm Santiago, Chile

Inscripción aquí.

A Decade of Grantmaking – Be Part of the Next Chapter

Meghaphone with geometric patterns reads out "ITF's 10th Cycle is Here"

ITF is thrilled to announce that our 10th grant cycle opens on October 6, 2025. This much-anticipated year of grantmaking is an opportunity to join a decade-long journey of supporting and strengthening trans movements worldwide.

Over the past 10 years, we have moved $9.7 million in funding to 260 trans-led organizations across 104 countries. Each of these grants represents a commitment to the power and resilience of trans movements worldwide. We are proud to stand alongside our grantee partners as they do bold, transformative work in their own contexts. With this support, groups have amplified their voices, expanded their reach, built their capacities, mobilized their communities, and driven change that allows trans communities to blossom and live freely.

three trans people come together to create magic in the dark. Below them it reads CREATE YOUR PROFILE NOW.

As we move into our 10th grant cycle, we carry the stories, struggles, and victories of our grantee partners with us. Their work shapes our vision and transforms us as we continue to grow together.

Now we are excited to open our next grant cycle and invite trans-led groups into our grantmaking cycle, to embark on a journey of trans movement building together.

Applications will open from October 6 to December 1, 2025. In the meantime, you can set up or update your profile in our grants portal to prepare.

Applications will be accepted exclusively through ITF’s grants portal in English, French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. ITF will also share information about funding webinars, application walkthroughs, and other resources to guide you through the process.

Let us make this 10th year our most impactful yet. We cannot wait to see what we will build together.

Create or update your profile now.

In Loving Memory of Ymania Brown

A sepia photo of a smiling Ymania Brown taken in recent years. She is covered in illustrated leaves. Red flowers spring up from the bush and yellow butterflies fly around her. The background is a pale pink. The text reads "In loving memory of Ymania Brown"

ITF is deeply saddened by the passing of our former Co-Chair, Tuisina Ymania Brown. Ymania was a colleague, a friend, and a tireless community activist. A proud fa’afafine, trans woman from Samoa, she was a devoted single mother to two sons and a grandparent. She was an incredible force for global LGBTI movements and an advocate for transfeminist justice who worked at the intersection of trans, indigenous, spiritual, climate justice and human rights. Ymania was deeply cherished by countless friends and colleagues, who drew inspiration from her courage, her passion, and her fearless commitment to speaking the truth.

Ymania’s varied life experiences fueled her activism. After two decades practicing corporate law in Australia, she shifted paths and used her expertise to become a global human rights advocate. Over the next twenty years, she led international NGOs and advanced work on LGBTIQ rights, Indigenous justice, interfaith dialogue, environmental protection, and economic equity. Ymania was instrumental in campaigns urging the Samoan government to recognize adoption by LGBT individuals and to repeal laws criminalizing ‘impersonation of a woman.’ She championed economic empowerment and pressed Australia to include LGBT rights as a core part of its foreign policy. As a survivor of gender-based and anti-trans violence, abuse, and racial profiling, Ymania transformed her own experiences into powerful advocacy, bringing urgency and authenticity to every space she entered.

A quote by ITF Executive Director Broden Giambrone reads "We were utterly devastated to learn of Ymania’s passing. As a former Co-Chair of the ITF, Ymania was not just a leader but a driving force, fiercely committed to ensuring that trans communities worldwide not only survive but thrive. She brought a powerful and necessary voice to the global stage, speaking from the intersections of trans justice, Indigenous knowledge, spirituality, climate justice, and human rights. We not only mourn the loss of a great leader but also a role model and friend whose vision, courage, and humor is needed now more than ever."

At the time of her passing Ymania was serving as the Executive Director of TGEU and the Co-President of Inter-pride. She was also the former Co-Chair of ITF, Co-Secretary General of ILGA world, Advisory Board member at Astraea, Co-Chair of the Global Interfaith Network on SOGI, and Advisor to World Pride Copenhagen in 2021.

Ymania was deeply rooted in her First Nations Samoan identity, serving as a matai across four districts. She carried this grounding into her vision for a decentralized, global trans movement built on intersectional solidarity and collective power. ITF is profoundly grateful for her presence, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to making the world safer, freer, and more just for trans people and all those facing oppression.Her loss is felt across movements and continents, but as she joins our pantheon of transcestors, her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.

 

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