TRANSGENDER PROGRAMME

Overview

The Transgender Programme operates at various levels, including international, national, sub-national, regional, and community levels. At the international and national levels, the Programme focuses on advocacy, policy engagement, and research, while at the community level, it prioritizes service-based approaches to address economic well-being, capacity building, security response, legal aid, psychosocial support, and education.

The primary goal of the Programme is to enhance the integration and functioning of transgender individuals within mainstream society, enabling them to achieve and sustain a globally accepted standard of living.

Objectives

  • Promote the Rights and Dignity of Transgender and Transsexual Persons in Kenya

    • Advocate for equal treatment, legal gender recognition, and protection from human rights violations.

  • Support Mental Health and Informed Decision-Making in Gender Transitioning

    • Provide psychological support before, during, and after transitioning to ensure mental and emotional readiness.

  • Educate the Public and Institutions on Gender Diversity and Trans Rights

    • Raise awareness to dismantle stigma and foster a more accepting society, especially within educational and healthcare systems.

  • Preserve the Agency and Autonomy of Transgender Individuals

    • Promote discernment and personal empowerment in gender identity decisions, including supporting those who choose to detransition.

  • Document and Resist Systemic Injustices Against Trans Communities

    • Address violence, economic injustice, and legal discrimination rooted in colonial and oppressive frameworks.

Core Programme Activities

  1. Psychological Counseling and Emotional Support

  • Offer individual and group therapy for transgender people and their families.

  • Facilitate safe peer-led spaces for self-exploration and healing.

2. Advocacy and Legal Support

  • Campaign for policies that ensure legal gender recognition and anti-discrimination protections.

  • Support trans people navigating legal processes related to identity and human rights.

3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building

  • Host workshops for trans individuals on self-awareness, advocacy, leadership, and well-being.

  • Build a network of trained community leaders to extend psychosocial and rights-based support.

4. Safe Spaces and Family Support Programs

  • Run programs for families and guardians of gender-variant children to foster understanding and acceptance.

5. Public Education and Cultural Dialogue

  • Develop media and educational campaigns challenging myths and promoting trans dignity.

  • Share African-centered histories of gender diversity to reclaim indigenous narratives.

6. Documentation and Research

  • Collect and share lived experiences to influence policy and public perception.

  • Collaborate with researchers to publish data on the impact of trans-affirming programs.

PROGRAMME MILESTONES & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Helping transgender individuals secure appropriate legal identification, such as facilitating name changes on legal documents, which is crucial for access to healthcare and reducing discrimination.

  • Jinsiangu has been instrumental in the recognition of transgender people as a key population in the national HIV response, helping to shift policy and resource allocation.