Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda (TYI- Uganda) statement on Transgender Awareness Week.

Every year several transgender and gender diverse people across the world are killed and murdered for simply being transgender. With the raise of anti-gender movements and state sponsored transphobia centered in laws that govern countries like Uganda transgender and gender diverse people’s exposure to violence becomes inevitable.

Uganda remains as one of the country’s where majority of the population is still embedded in cultural and religious beliefs, have limited understanding of transgender identities as female or male are the only accepted gender binaries. With this at play and a legal framework that criminalize transgender people’s existence anti-gender bigoty and violence towards transgender and gender diverse people in such a country becomes unavoidable. 

Since the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in Uganda there has been massive documentation of human rights violation spanning for unlawful arrests to evictions, in some intense we have witnessed undressing and mob injustices on trans and gender diverse bodies due to their expressive gender expression. With these uprises we see no way out for the transgender and gender diverse community where organization’s that where offering redress have been forced to close and law enforcement being at the core forefront as perpetrators of violence inflicted on transgender and gender diverse bodies like undressing of transgender woman on camera while asserting lies of transgender and gender diverse people being impersonators.

For those wondering what I am talking about when I say transgender, it is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth for example a transgender woman is someone who was assigned male at birth based on their physical and biological characteristics but identifies and lives as a woman. In other words, her gender identity is female, even though she was initially labeled as male.

As we come to the end of Transgender Awareness Week, it is imperative that we reflect on the importance of this annual event, especially in the face of the recent Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which has cast a dark shadow over the rights and lives of transgenderand gender diverse communities.

Transgender Awareness Week, celebrated from November 13th to 19th each year, serves as a reminder that while we have come a long way in recognizing and respecting the rights of transgender and gender diverse communities, we still have a significant journey ahead to ensure their full acceptance and protection. This week offers an invaluable opportunity for society to engage in meaningful conversations and learn about the issues and challenges faced by transgender and gender diverse communities.

Transgender Awareness Week, more than ever, serves as a ray of hope and resilience in the face of such adversity. Here’s how you can continue to be a better ally to the trans community even beyond Transgender Awareness Week:

Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about transgender and gender diverse issues. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries that provide insights into the experiences and challenges faced by transgenderand gender diverse communities.

Listen and Learn: Engage in open, non-judgmental conversations with transgender and gender diverse friends, family members, or acquaintances. Listen to their stories and experiences, and learn from their perspectives.

Use Correct Pronouns and Names: Respect a person’s chosen name and pronouns. Using correct pronouns is a simple yet significant way to show support and respect for transgender and gender diverse individuals.

Speak Up Against Discrimination: If you witness discrimination or hate speech directed at transgender and gender diverse individuals, speak up and be an ally. Use your voice to challenge prejudice and promote acceptance.

Support Transgender and gender diverse Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to support transgender and gender diverse rights, mental health, and well-being. Your support can make a meaningful difference.

Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Advocate for policies that protect transgender and gender diverse rights in your community, workplace, or educational institutions. Support legislation that promotes equality and non-discrimination.

Attend Online Transgender Awareness Events: Participate in events, discussions, and workshops online to further your understanding and show your solidarity with the transgender community.

As we end Transgender Awareness Week, let us remember that acceptance, empathy, and love can overcome even the darkest of prejudices. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that transgender and gender diverse communities are not only heard but also cherished and protected. The fight for their rights is not just a matter of compassion; it’s a matter of justice and equality.

Transgender Awareness Week is not just an event; it’s a movement, a call to action, and a reminder that in the face of discrimination and oppression, love and acceptance will always prevail. We must stand together and continue working toward a world where every transgender or gender diverse individual can live their life authentically, without fear or discrimination. 

NANA MILLERS

Executive Director

Trans Youth Initiative – Uganda.