Guyana Trans United (GTU)

Guyana Trans United was inaugurated on 14th January 2012 in recognition of the need for more trans-specific organizing in Guyana. Several founding members had been involved in other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) organizations and human rights work, and were eager to engage greater numbers of their colleagues in this regard, as well as to take on visible leadership roles within their own communities. GTU promotes equity and human rights for all. As trans people, we understand deeply the constraints of binary gender roles as well as the fluidity that exists in real life. Daily, we endure abuse because we are seen to transgress cultural norms. By identifying as trans, we challenge traditional patriarchal stereotypes and encourage others to expand their thinking. In fact, these are the underlying principles of our public education and advocacy work. The fact that many of us are engaged in sex work is also another opportunity for us to, further discussion and tolerance towards this often-marginalized population. We are strong advocates for our human rights, standing against police abuse and violence: incidents that non-trans Guyanese also regularly experience. We work in partnership with other women’s rights groups and through such collaborations, greater understanding of our shared struggles has been identified and discussed resulting in stronger alliances with these said groups.

Purpose
Guyana Trans United’s main goals are to improve the quality of life of trans Guyanese and to ensure that their rights are recognized and upheld in all domains. GTU hosts monthly support group sessions for our members, their families, other loved ones, and conducts outreaches in the ten (10) administrative regions of Guyana. We also work with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) communities, human rights and social justice groups on advocacy and awareness raising initiatives.

Core Focus
Human rights advocacy and policy reform.

Aspirations for the Future
Guyana Trans United’s vision is to have trans persons untap their potential, be trained professionally and be gainfully employed.

Our goal is to acquire a more inviting and comfortable safe space in regions 3 and 4, educate trans on their rights as a human beings, and impact shifts in policies to include trans in decision making.

Skills & Strengths
Trans-led/ trans-focused programs and services for the trans community, committed staff/ volunteers/ board members, willingness to learn, mobilizing our community, determined and focused, leadership qualities, good community reputation, diverse racial and geographical representation, balance in political affiliation.

Speciality of Activities
Human rights advocacy/community activists, legal and medical navigation, community outreach, HIV prevention education, HIV counselling and testing, psychosocial support, soup kitchen, care and support, pastry making, money management skills, youth empowerment, safe space/drop-in centre.

One of GTU’s major successes over the last several months has been the acquisition of a physical office space. Prior to obtaining this space, GTU was functioning from the private home of one of its members. Having a public office is essential because it enables GTU to better serve the trans community by providing a safe place where members can gather freely, access essential information, services, and support, and build community resilience. Obtaining and maintaining a public office also shows that GTU is gaining greater acceptance in the larger Guyanese society, and that trans Guyanese are becoming more empowered to stand up for their rights, boldly and without fear. The office shows that we are claiming our rights and rightful space in Guyanese society.

GTU is proud to be the only trans led organization in the Caribbean which enables us to give support to the Trans population regionally.

We have also acquired a bank account and are expected to manage funds effectively.

In region 4 Guyana Trans United served one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six (1836) female sex workers (FSWs), one thousand one hundred and fifty-eight (1158) men who have sex with men (MSM), and three hundred and ninety-one (391) Transgender persons (TG) with HIV prevention education, HIV counselling and testing, distribution of condoms and lubricants, referrals to medical services, and psychosocial support. While in region 3 Guyana Trans United served six hundred and twenty-two (622) MSM, eight (8) lesbians, forty-five (45) TG, and forty-one (41) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons.

Beneficiaries of Services
Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Comprehensive health care for transgender persons/hormone therapy.

Beneficiaries of Services
Key Populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), transgender persons (TG) and the broader lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) population.

GTU has worked closely with health care providers, sensitizing them on issues of stigma and discrimination facing our population. We are rewarded for our efforts by seeing positive reactions from persons working in the health care sector towards trans persons.
Many GTU members are appreciative of the level of work done to improve their lives since they were able to access good health care services and skill training.