Today, on the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, we take a moment to honor the resilience of sex workers around the world, especially transgender and gender-diverse sex workers, who bear the brunt of violence, stigma, and systemic injustice. At Trans Youth Initiative-Uganda, we stand in solidarity with them and call for an end to the violence that has taken far too many lives.
For trans and gender-diverse sex workers in Uganda, violence is an everyday threat. They endure assaults and attacks, frequently with minimal access to justice, alongside ongoing stigma, harassment, and social exclusion. Their identities and livelihoods are criminalized, pushing them into dangerous settings.
This violence is compounded by societal discrimination, making it nearly impossible for them to access justice, healthcare, or even basic safety. The legal and social frameworks that should protect them often perpetuate their marginalization.
The violence faced by trans and gender-diverse sex workers is not an isolated issue; it reflects broader systemic failures to recognize and respect their humanity. Every act of violence against them is a failure of our collective responsibility to uphold human rights, dignity, and equality for all.
Sex work, for many, is a means of survival in a world that denies them equal opportunities. Instead of support, they are met with judgment and violence. This cycle must be broken.
Ending violence against trans and gender-diverse sex workers requires action on multiple fronts:
- Decriminalization: Laws that criminalize sex work perpetuate unsafe environments. Decriminalizing sex work would enable access to justice and protection.
- Legal Protections: Governments must enact and enforce laws that protect trans and gender-diverse individuals from violence and discrimination.
- Awareness and Education: Communities must challenge harmful stereotypes and foster an understanding of the realities faced by sex workers in all their diversities.
- Access to Resources: Provide safe spaces to empower sex workers.
At TYI-Uganda, we are committed to advocating for these changes. We believe that by amplifying the voices of rural trans and gender-diverse sex workers and pushing for systemic reforms, we can create a world where no one lives in fear simply because of who they are or the work they do.
On this day, we call upon policymakers, civil society, and allies to join the fight to end violence against sex workers. Let us recognize the humanity of trans and gender-diverse sex workers, listen to their stories, and take meaningful action to address their needs.
Ending violence against sex workers is not just about protecting a marginalized group—it’s about affirming the dignity and rights of all human beings.
Together, we can build a future where trans and gender-diverse sex workers are not just safe but also celebrated for their resilience and contributions to society. It’s time to end the violence.
#EndViolenceAgainstSexWorkers
#TransRightsAreHumanRights
#TYIUganda
