Nurturing Resilience

Self-Care, Wellness, and Collective Healing

Transforming Structures

Lead, Challenge, Dismantle

Tailored Safe Spaces

Nothing About Us Without Us

6  YEARS  OF  EXPERIENCE  TYI -   UGANDA  
Welcome to

Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda

At TYI-Uganda, we're dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender diverse youth in Uganda, with a particular focus on western Uganda. TYI-Uganda was founded in December 2017 as a response to a critical gap within the LGBTI and sex worker movements in Uganda. We recognized that the unique struggles and concerns of rural transgender and gender diverse youth communities were often overlooked, and we set out to bridge this gap.

  • Our Vision

    We envision an informed, inclusive, and educated Ugandan society where the rights of rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender diverse youth are not only recognized but celebrated. We see a future where everyone has equal access to social, economic, and political opportunities, allowing them to reach their full potential.

  • Join Us

    Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting Uganda. By embracing the diversity within our society and working toward common goals, we can build a brighter future for all. TYI-Uganda welcomes you to be part of our journey toward positive change and empowerment.

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Become a Volunteer

Empowering, Advocating, and Celebrating the
Voices of Rural Transgender

Upcoming events

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Empowering, Advocating, and Celebrating the Voices of Rural Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

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Vision

  • We envision an informed, inclusive, and educated Ugandan society where the rights of rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender diverse youth are not only recognized but celebrated. We see a future where everyone has equal access to social, economic, and political opportunities, allowing them to reach their full potential.

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Join Us

  • Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting Uganda. By embracing the diversity within our society and working toward common goals, we can build a brighter future for all. TYI-Uganda welcomes you to be part of our journey toward positive change and empowerment.

View details
Our Purpose

Our Purpose and Goals

We exist to uphold, advocate, and advance the health and human rights of rural transgender and gender diverse youth communities. Our mission is to ensure that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their access to essential services is guaranteed. Through amplifying their voices and creating avenues for justice, we're committed to making a positive impact on their lives.

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What we Do

Our Initiatives

Empowering, Advocating, and Celebrating the Voices of Rural Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

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Advocacy: Amplifying Voices, Igniting Change

We tirelessly advocate for the rights of rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender diverse youth, ensuring their voices are heard at every level of society. We believe that every individual's voice matters and deserves to be heard.

Research and Documentation: Illuminating Realities, Catalyzing Action

TYI-Uganda is committed to documenting the lived realities and conducting research to shed light on the challenges faced by trans and gender diverse communities in Uganda. Research serves as the compass guiding our advocacy. We employ a comprehensive and empathetic approach to gather insights into the unique struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of trans and gender diverse communities in Uganda.

Holistic Health Services: Nurturing Well-being, Ensuring Equity

Equitable access to comprehensive gender-affirming sexual and reproductive health care services is a cornerstone of our work, promoting the well-being of those we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to gender-affirming sexual and reproductive health care services. We understand the importance of accessible and respectful healthcare for the well-being of our communities.

Safety, Security, and Empowerment: Nurturing Thriving Environments

Our focus extends to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Empowerment is at the heart of our work, as we strive to create environments where individuals can thrive.

Artivism and Expression: Breaking Barriers Through Creativity

Artivism serves as a powerful tool for us to raise awareness, foster understanding, and encourage dialogue. We believe in the power of creative expression to drive change. Through creative means like artivism, we aim to break barriers and promote understanding. We celebrate the unique stories and perspectives of rural transgender and gender diverse youth.

Sports: Breaking Barriers Through Unity

Sports transcend barriers and build bridges. TYI-Uganda recognizes the power of sports to foster inclusivity, teamwork, and personal growth. Our sports initiatives provide safe spaces for trans and gender diverse individuals to engage in physical activities, boost their confidence, and challenge societal norms.

Leadership Development: Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders

Leadership knows no boundaries. TYI-Uganda is committed to nurturing leadership within trans and gender diverse communities. Through mentorship, training, and capacity-building programs, we empower transgender and gender diverse communities to step into leadership roles within their communities, organizations, and society at large.

Movement Building: Uniting for Change

Collective action is a catalyst for change. TYI-Uganda is actively involved in trans movement building, bringing together trans and gender diverse individuals, allies, and organizations to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights. By fostering unity and solidarity, we strive for a stronger and more resilient trans movement.

OUR CORE VALUES

Intersectionality: We actively address the complexities of discrimination and privilege by acknowledging and embracing the interconnected identities and varied experiences within our community. Our approach ensures that all facets of identity are considered in our advocacy, recognizing that multiple forms of inequality often operate simultaneously and must be addressed holistically.

Accountability: We are determined to enact responsible actions that yield direct benefits for rural transgender youth women, transgender youth sex workers, and gender-diverse youth communities we serve. We maintain transparency and uphold accountability at every level of our operations, ensuring that our actions reflect our dedication to the community's welfare and trust.

Participatory Governance and Leadership: We steadfastly adhere to the principle of 'Nothing About Us Without Us,' ensuring robust community involvement in every decision that impacts their lives. Our commitment to fostering representative and participatory governance ensures that our actions are informed and shaped by those we serve, promoting equity and inclusivity at all decision-making levels.

Collective Liberation: We strive for collective liberation by dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an environment where every individual regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation can achieve their full potential, free from oppression. Our work is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities and ensuring that liberation is a shared journey, not just for the few but for all members of our community.

Gender Equity : We champion gender equity by actively challenging traditional norms and advocating for the rights and recognition of all genders. Our efforts are dedicated to promoting equality and fairness, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive without bias or limitation.

Bodily Autonomy: We staunchly affirm the fundamental right to bodily autonomy, advocating for the freedom of every individual to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies and identities. Our commitment ensures support and protection for these personal choices, recognizing them as essential to individual dignity and empowerment.

Diversity: We deeply value and embrace the rich variety of experiences and perspectives within our community, recognizing that diversity is a strength and a vital source of enrichment. Our commitment to inclusivity fosters a vibrant environment where diverse voices are heard and celebrated, contributing to a more holistic and understanding community.

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior and honesty, ensuring that our actions build trust and credibility within our community and beyond it. Our commitment to integrity guides all our interactions and decisions, fostering a culture of accountability and respect.

Consent Culture: We are dedicated to cultivating a culture where consent is the cornerstone of all interactions, ensuring that every personal and communal engagement is grounded in mutual respect and dignity. Our commitment to promoting a consent culture empowers individuals, fosters safety, and upholds the integrity of our community.

Inclusive Leadership: We actively promote leadership opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented individuals within our communities, empowering them to lead and effect positive change both within and beyond their communities. Our commitment to inclusive leadership ensures that diverse voices are heard and also at the forefront of leadership, driving our initiatives and shaping our future.

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