GENERAL INFORMATION

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.