Tell us a little about your organization and the work you do?

I work as an independent trans advocate in Zambia with a focus on advocacy around the trans identity, HIV and the health and human rights of trans individuals.

Why is the Trans Pre-Conference exciting to you?

The Trans Pre-Conference is existent to me to be seen and utilized as a space to teach as well as learn about different contexts of trans people around the world with a focus of key intersecting issues affecting the trans community.

What is important about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism?

They are many things that are significant about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism. one thing I would say is important is the inclusion of trans people in different bodies and systems of many different societies and contexts. Visibility is playing a huge role in this as it is helping with the enforcement and the fighting for the rightful inclusions in these spaces to provide for the accurate needs of trans people.

What changes do you want to see in your local community and the global trans community after the Pre-Conference?

More of the conversation around inclusion happening as well as the strategic planning of this going forward providing assurance for trans people going forward.

Tell us a little about your organization and the work you do?

I am a member and country focal point for the Latin-American and Caribbean Network of Trans People (REDLACTRANS). REDLACTRANS main goals is to improve the quality of life of Transgender people in the region. Our main activities include public education/sensitization to reduce stigma and discrimination, advocacy for implementation of gender identity laws int he region and respect of our human rights with an emphasis on health.

Why is the Trans Pre-Conference exciting to you?

The Trans pre-conference is exciting since it will give us an opportunity to learn and network with other trans organizations globally in addition to providing us with a space to share the work we do in the region.

What is important about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism?

With the Global momentum and focus on Trans issues we should ensure that our needs are met and we should be united in a global voice to adequately advocate for the necessary changes we need. This pre-conference is the perfect platform for developing this common agenda and building on our strengths.

What changes do you want to see in your local community and the global trans community after the Pre-Conference?

I would like to see a Global Trans community that builds in our differences and works from a strengths perspective to identify a common ground for trans activist globally. In my region I wish for the beginning of a global engagement and successful networking.

Tell us a little about your organization and the work you do?

India HIV/AIDS Alliance (Alliance India) is a non-governmental organisation that builds capacity, provides technical support and advocates to strengthen the
delivery of effective, innovative, rights-based, community-based HIV programmes to vulnerable populations affected by the AIDS epidemic. The organization works closely with National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), State AIDS Control Society (SACS), and community-based organizations in an effort to build an AIDS free society. Our mission is to support community action to prevent HIV infection, meet the challenges of AIDS, and build healthier communities.

Why is the Trans Pre-Conference exciting to you?

Pre Conference on Transgender issues is happening for the first time in history. Henceforth as a transgender activist from India who belong to Hijra culture is extremely important to be present to discuss crucial issues around Asia Pacific communities.

What is important about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism?

As mentioned before this trans conference is going to raise the crucial issues around trans leadership and involvement in the lager global context. it will also create new opportunities for advocacy, networking and prioritizing trans agenda in the AIDS response.

What changes do you want to see in your local community and the global trans community after the Pre-Conference?

After the Pre conference I anticipate actions and leaderships around trans issues. I also anticipate that in AIDS response transgender issues will be high lighted strongly, more resources will be invested and it will bring a young leadership in action. It will influence the stakeholders and police makers to act rather then just giving lip services.

Tell us a little about your organization and the work you do?

I’m a IRGT member since 2011, I’ve been a board member of RFSL – the Swedish Federation for LGBT Rights for many year as well of Transgender Europe. Having worked with Trans health and humans rights for the past 25 year. I also work with the depathologazion Trans Identities and the revision of WHO’s ICD-10 as a member of the GATE Expert Group. I serve on the Steering Committee of MSMGF. Being a Clinical Social Worker I also work with developing the first medical interdisciplinary quality register for transgender health care which will be put in operation, after four years of work in the fall of 2016.

Why is the Trans Pre-Conference exciting to you?

It is the final evidence that Transgender women and Trans folks is one of the four Key populations in the combat against HIV and no longer conflated mwith MSM. It is indeed a breakthrough for IRGT and placing Trans on the Global HIV/AIDS map!

What is important about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism?

The opportunity to gather such a big group of trans people, theirallies and important stakeholders. And as said before, it is one of the important frontiers in Global Trans Advocacy against HIV!

What changes do you want to see in your local community and the global trans community after the Pre-Conference?

In Europe and above all in Eastern Europe and Central Asia I hope that we see a number of emerging Trans led advocacy and action groups in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and much more awareness raising.

I want to see a much stronger trans movement globally and see TRANSIT be used on a broad scale!

Tell us a little about your organization and the work you do?

I am a freelance consultant on gender and sexuality and I do advocacy work for transgender individuals as well as trans-migrants, sex workers and transwomen living with HIV

Why is the Trans Pre-Conference exciting to you?

Because it is a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas, information and knowledge with other people from all over the world

What is important about this moment in global trans advocacy and activism?

To give visibility to the the great need of services and health care specifically for transgender individuals.

What changes do you want to see in your local community and the global trans community after the Pre-Conference?

I would like to see more health care accesible to trans people and to be specifically for transgender men and women. Also, I like to see more community outreach to work on HIV prevention and more programs to empower transwomen, transmigrants and trans sexworkers.

Also, I think it is time now that trans people are classified individually and be separated from the “MSM” spectrum. Now more than ever it is imperative to recognize that transgender women of color are some of the populations more affected by HIV and AIDS.