Anonymous: Living with HIV as a Transperson in Zimbabwe

Purple Royale

Trans and Intersex persons continue to be at high risk of HIV and worse AIDS. Stigma, discrimination, conversion therapy as well as reduced livelihoods remain some of the contributing factors. Lack of information on HIV prevention & treatment being another. However, even with the availability of HIV services in local clinics, sensitization of health care providers & policy makers is still much needed. We have to scale up our sensitization efforts and this documented lived reality is an example. Evidence based, first hand from the actual Transperson affected. Scaling up sensitization as well as friendly laws and policies will create safe, friendly healthcare facilities as well as an environment that will ultimately encourage uptake of services by the Trans & Intersex community.

The programming for this advocacy initiative was supported by PEPFAR Zimbabwe, The Other Foundation & FRIDA Fund. Much thanks to all stakeholders as well as allies who continue this fight to end AIDS with us. Much thanks to the Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe, National AIDS Council and the Global Fund for recognizing the Transgender & Intersex community as one of the populations needing support in the fight against HIV and AIDS.