Resources for Transgender People in Kenya

International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and their contributions to society and to raise awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide.

While it is not illegal to identify as transgender in Kenya, archaic laws under section 162 and 165 of the penal code criminalize anyone who identifies under this umbrella and provides a caveat for trans People to be harassed and arrested.

Transphobia is rife in Kenya and many trans people have reported being harassed and threatened for simply existing. In spite of the brazen discrimination and failure by the state to protect trans people, here are some organizations putting in the work to provide help for trans people in Kenya.

Jinsiangu

Jinsiangu is a Kenyan-based organisation established in 2012 to increase safe spaces for—and enhance—the wellbeing of intersex, transgender and gender non-conforming (itgnc) people in Kenya. Their name is a combination of the Swahili words 'jinsia yangu,' meaning "my gender."

The Transgender Education and Advocacy (TEA)

The Transgender Education and Advocacy (TEA) is an international human rights organization working towards defending and promoting the human rights of transgender/transsexual people. TEA is registered in Kenya by the NGO Coordination Board under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.

INEND

The Initiative for Equality and Non-Discrimination (INEND) is a local not-for-profit organisation that undertakes strategic actions towards equality, acceptance and inclusion of women and special minorities in the coast region of Kenya.

Trans and Queer Fund KE

The Trans and Queer fund was started in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic to financially assist young, trans and queer people who were negatively impacted by the financial fallout caused by lockdowns and restrictions. Follow them on twitter HERE and find out how you can help.