Guyana Trans United (GTU)

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.

SERVICES

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.

Community & Social Services

Comprehensive health care for transgender persons/hormone therapy.

HIV/AIDS SERVICES

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.

Community Impact

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.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

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.

CONTACT US

Phone: 592-674-8741 Address: Lot 102 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown