6 Non-Binary and Transgender Trailblazers from Southern Africa

Across Southern Africa, transgender trailblazers are stepping into leadership, visibility, and advocacy. Here are six you need to know!

My Journey to Finding My Transgender Me

Mandy Jovial Swali, a transgender refugee from Uganda living in South Africa, shares her harrowing journey to becoming her authentic self.

Trans mental health is rarely talked about. In this personal essay, Namibian activist Ziggy Porsche #Eixas shares their mental health journey.

Phio Kenosi reflects on his journey with faith as a trans individual and the deep trauma inflicted by the church in Botswana.

Amid the rising vilification of trans individuals and identities, Cassandra Roxburgh reflects on holding onto hope in uncertain and times.

We’re often told that visibility is essential for change. But for the trans community, visibility often leads to heightened vulnerability.

Phio Kenosi’s story exposes the reality of accessing gender-affirming care in Botswana, battling both bureaucracy and discrimination.

Father Martin Kalimbe from Blantyre is a bold and unwavering advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Malawi’s religious landscape.

Trump’s foreign aid freeze leaves South Africa’s trans community without access to lifesaving healthcare, leaving thousands in crisis.

Leese, a transgender woman, left home following her dreams—but had to survive rejection and violence before building a thriving career.

New French medical guidelines back the importance of gender-affirming care for trans youth, including the use of puberty blockers.

Drag Night Namibia has introduced its first transgender performer, who proudly celebrates her African heritage, diversity, and advocacy.

The anti-gender movement seeks to roll back progress in gender and LGBTQ+ rights. Here are two key players in South Africa and their tactics.

Thomars Shamuyarira, a proudly out trans man from Zimbabwe, is a dedicated and passionate advocate for LGBTQI+ refugees in South Africa.

The disproportionate and sensationalised focus on transgender bathroom access reveals a deeper societal discomfort with transgender identity.

Being a transgender woman in Malawi presents a unique set of challenges, including legal discrimination, social stigma and family rejection.

Despite the challenges faced by trans women in Zimbabwe, and a struggle with addiction, Thelma has found community and purpose through sport.

While trans women in Zimbabwe face discrimination in many areas of life, Haylie and Queen have found economic empowerment on their own terms.

Living in Malawi as a non-binary person can often be challenging, with constant reminders of not fitting into society’s binary expectations.

Leading trans health groups say that the controversial Cass Review, championed by JK Rowling, is selective, inconsistent and harmful.