Continuing the Fight: Honoring Trans Lives Beyond Remembrance

Following the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we at the ITF continue to honor the lives of trans and gender-diverse individuals lost to violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect. Their names remind us of the harsh realities many in our communities face, but they also call us to action—to ensure their legacies fuel a fight for a future where trans people thrive.

As a participatory grantmaker, the ITF is committed to resourcing trans-led organizations worldwide. These organizations are not just at the forefront of advocacy but also of healing, community-building, and imagining futures free from oppression. Through their work, we see the power of trans leadership in challenging inequality, protecting rights, and fostering resilience.Every grant we make is a step toward justice, a declaration of solidarity, and a promise to the trans communities we serve. Together, we fight for systems and societies that celebrate diversity and uphold dignity.

Economic Empowerment for Trans Communities

In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah has made history by establishing the country’s first officially recognized trans women’s cooperative. This groundbreaking achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of a community often marginalized.The journey began with strategic advocacy efforts. Representatives from the group engaged in hearings with the local government, including the Tourism Office. These discussions yielded critical commitments: the Tourism Office pledged to include trans businesses in government-run tourism events. This marked a significant step in demonstrating that trans women can play an active role in economic development.

The group also focuses on equipping trans women with essential business skills. In 2022, twenty trans women participated in a three-day business management workshop facilitated by the Indonesian Business Solutions College of Economics. The training covered marketing strategies, capital management, and operational planning, equipping participants with the tools to run successful businesses. Each participant received a small capital grant to jumpstart or strengthen their ventures. To ensure sustainability, facilitators conducted regular monitoring and evaluation, helping the businesses grow steadily.As these efforts progressed, the vision of a formal cooperative began to take shape. In November, twenty trans entrepreneurs underwent cooperative and creative economy training, learning how to meet legal requirements and operate within Indonesia’s formal economy. After months of hard work, the Al Fatah Mukti Sejahtera Yogyakarta Marketing Cooperative was formally established with legal recognition from the government—a monumental achievement for the community.The cooperative’s inauguration in January 2023 was a celebration of this milestone. Government officials, local organizations, and members of the community gathered to mark the occasion. The cooperative’s official status now enables it to apply for government funds and attract external support. Cross-faith organizations, such as the Christian Welfare Foundation and the Transgender Christian Prayer Fellowship, contributed capital, highlighting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the initiative.The cooperative’s impact extends beyond economic empowerment. It has provided a safe space for trans women to connect, support one another, and build a sense of community. Families of trans women have also been involved, strengthening familial bonds and encouraging greater understanding. Additionally, the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah addressed broader challenges faced by trans women, such as household financial management, integrating this into their training programs.The ITF is proud to have supported Pondok Pesantren Waria Al Fatah. To learn more about the group visit their page:FacebookThe ITF has awarded $7,815,110 across 8 grant cycles to 214 grantee partners in 99 countries. Information about grantee partners from previous cycles is available on our website:2023 Grantee Partners2022 Grantee Partners2021 Grantee Partners2020 Grantee Partners2019 Grantee Partners2018 Grantee Partners2017 Grantee Partners