The following lines were written by our partner Dumi Gatsha, director of Success Capital.
Transgender and gender diverse people are dying. There was a 9% increase to 350 people reported as murdered since last year. This reflects an increasingly violent and transphobic world. Notably, 93% of these were black and brown trans and gender diverse folks. The reality that these figures are understated estimates is worrisome. Healthcare and justice systems do not always provide services to or report on gender diverse groups. The increasing polarisation of right wing ideologies occupying government offices and programming directly impacts trans and gender diverse lives. From sporting code regulations, narrow healthcare provisions, school supervisory boards and regressive state and national laws; the wave of oppressing gender diverse groups continues to increase. Seemingly, with no end in sight.
Health, justice and service delivery continue to be a privilege. As grassroots activists cannot always afford to access or curate regional/advocacy convenings, a discontent remains in who’s voices and work are amplified. The anti-queer and elitist development landscape does not make it any easier for trans and gender diverse groups. Burnout and frustrations are a common factor. The rights based approach continues to herald inclusion and ensure some participation in decision making tables. HIV continues to play a huge role in advancing our rights. These developments however, have not stopped deaths. They have not reduced anti-LGBT legislation, state-sponsored stigma and discrimination or the increase of equality and non-discrimination even where decriminalisation occurred. We need to safeguard these gains where possible, even though transitioning countries and competing budget allocations might compromise our inclusion.
The personal is political. As an intersectional feminist, I often found it difficult to see where I fit in – even within feminist oriented spaces. I do not tick the boxes of being trans enough, queer enough, young enough, institutionalised enough, audited enough or palatable enough, In recruitment, grant writing and even in seeking pleasure. This is a reality that’s a given when you’re a non-binary, Pan African idealist that lives to critique and advocate at home just as much as at work. I’m driven by anger, sometimes joy and most times the defiance of no longer being a victim of sexual assault. I believe in a world where one trans death is more than enough to trigger protections in law and state interventions. Where being more than enough allows for citizens to see how protecting trans and gender diverse people, protects everyone. The protections and state interventions would not pick and choose who is worthy of rights and dignity.
As the world grieves and grapples with increasingly right wing governments. I can only hope that we de-center ourselves from men and imperialist empires. The causes of climate, democracy and civil society resourcing degradation – compromising our movements, the HIV response, human rights and global health. I implore our communities, women and girls in their diversity to continue to rest and care for themselves. The unrelenting desire to occupy space, safeguard our rights and argue for our dignity will never end – however, how health and wellbeing will. We need to care for ourselves and those around us in community. We need to document injustice and inequity knowing there is another day to fight the good fight. As we engage others, let us extend solidarity beyond performative statements, thoughts and prayers. Let us amplify grassroots voices, partner with those without resources and create our own ways of sustaining the critical work of remembering our peers, efforts and finding joy amidst struggle.
