What would you do, as a Trans Escort, in the face of danger? This is a real-life experience, by Sandy, a Transwoman In Zimbabwe. Threatened by a client, with Machetes and Fire Arms. Lived to tell the tale, now advocating to End Gender Based Violence & Reduced Livelihoods.

Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified! 

Standing in solidarity, during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund and The Frida Young Feminist Fund for supporting this documented lived reality. 

From the rural parts of Murehwa, Zimbabwe, this is an inspiring story of Tindo,

a Transman who overcame a lot.

From drug addiction and intense stigma in a rural setup, Tindo narrates how he managed to defy societal expectations and choose to be a better version of himself. Accepting who he is, addressing the mental health challenges he faced, to ultimately beating drug addiction and becoming a top chess player, at a crucial time in his life.

The production of this episode has been supported by:

Taboom Media, Frida Fund and Nebula Pulsar Fund.

Religion and Culture, plays an important role in influencing mindsets. As a community, we cannot end discrimination towards transgender and intersex persons if we exclude community leaders who play a key role in influencing religion as well as culture.

This is a story about Pastor Pugen. A Transperson from Zimbabwe as they narrate how the love and support from the church, enabled them to be a positive influence in the community. A story about how a transperson was welcomed into the community and is making an impact on the importance of unity, love and solidarity as a Pastor in the church.

Supported by the Love Alliance Initiative: Building a unifying, strong, Pan-African Movement for Marginalized Communities when accessing Health and Human Rights.

“ I was just a child, I needed the support, I needed to feel loved.” 

This is a sentiment, which you will often hear, from many Trans and Intersex Lives.

When we talk about improved livelihoods for Trans and Intersex lives, it goes beyond better education or employment. It also encompasses our social life and the importance of a support system. Family, is an important part of that support system. 

This October, the Purple Royale Podcast decided to document the lived experience of Loveness, a mother to her trans child, from Mashonaland Province. Loveness has a story that shows the importance of love, unity and accepting each other for who we are. A story that has not only uplifted her family, but also her community.

In support of Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement for marginalized communities when accessing health and human rights. Together, in solidarity, for health and human rights!

Much gratitude to FRIDA Fund and multiple much appreciated stakeholders for also supporting our work! 

This month, the Purple Royale Podcast decided to document the lived reality of Thembile, a Transgender woman from Matebeleland Province, living with disability and HIV.

An emotional story, that highlights the need for ending stigma and discrimination towards any transgender or intersex person. These are voices that are often silenced and we are proud of Thembile for sharing her experience of hope and resilience in the fight against HIV/AIDS, disability as well as discrimination towards one’s gender identity or expression.

With supporting voices from National AIDS Council and fellow community members.

This initiative is further supported by Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement that promotes access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people most marginalized and affected by HIV. Together for Health and Human Rights.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT BUILDING IN ADDRESSING SAFETY AND SECURITY:

The Purple Royale Podcast decided to document our lived experiences as a Key Populations movement when it comes to safety and security. From the recommendations highlighted in the Purple Royale Nationwide Safety and Security research available here http://eepurl.com/iUzaA2 , movement building and strengthening is important. 

Standing up together, as civil society organizations and marginalized communities to address the safety and security intersectional issues that affect us.

In this regard, this episode on the Purple Royale Podcast features not only trans voices but voices from other civil society organizations who serve communities most marginalized. Special mention to Transsmart Trust and Chisungo Trust.

This initiative is further supported by Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement that promotes access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people most marginalized and affected by HIV.

Together, for health and human rights!