Call for Applications: OutRight COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund

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Application Deadline: From 8 April 2020 until funding is available/end of COVID-19 crisis

OutRight Action International has launched the OutRight COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund. The fund will offer emergency financial resources to LGBTIQ organizations around the world who are serving people impacted by COVID-19, and support OutRight’s work to document and respond to the impacts of the crisis on LGBTIQ communities. The first disbursement of $100,000 opens for applications on April 8, 2020.

The fund was launched in collaboration with founding partners Calvin Klein, Inc., Microsoft Corp. and the Dunn Family Charitable Foundation. It will offer one-time general operating grants of $2,500-$10,000 to LGBTIQ organizations in regions outside of North America and Europe that are addressing issues exacerbated by COVID-19 facing LGBTIQ people, including:

  • Access to basic needs such as food, emergency shelter, and Wi-Fi;
  • Access to healthcare;
  • The economic impact, such as unemployment and poverty;
  • Domestic/family violence against LGBTIQ people;
  • Protection of human rights, safety and security of LGBTIQ people in times of crisis.

Please visit the call page for more information and to see if you are eligible: https://outrightinternational.org/applications-are-open-covid19-lgbtiq-emergency-response-fund

About OutRight International

OutRight Action International works at a global, regional and national level to eradicate the persecution, inequality and violence lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people face around the world. From its offices in 7 countries and headquarters in New York, OutRight builds capacity of LGBTIQ movements, documents human rights violations, advocates for inclusion and equality, and holds leaders accountable for protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight has recognized consultative status at the United Nations.

Call for Applications: Mama Cash – Extended

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Application Deadline: 17 February – 31 March 13 April 2020

Mama Cash is pleased to announce that they will receive Letters of Interest (LOI) from applicants, who are not current grantee-partners, from 17 February – 31 March 13 April 2020, 11:59 pm CET.

During this application window for new grantee-partners, they plan to make new grants to self-led feminist groups and initiatives who are working on environmental justice.

Mama Cash has granted nearly sixty million euros to more than 6000 feminist and women’s rights organisations and initiatives led by and for women, girls, trans and intersex people in nearly every country in the world.

In that time, the work of women’s rights movements has led to revolutionary changes in public attitudes, law, governance, and in the private sector and civil society. Women’s movements have changed our understanding of violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and what counts as work. There is still much work to be done on these issues, and on addressing injustices of environmental degradation and climate change – arguably the most pressing issue of our time.

Women, girls, trans and intersex people experience not only the effects of environmental damage and climate change, they also encounter violations of their right to water, food, and a clean, healthy, and safe environment. Additionally, their rights to manage and preserve their communal land, wildlife and natural resources are constantly under attack. And when they resist, they experience gender-based violence such as sexual violence, harassment, intimidation and murder.

Please visit the call page for more information and to see if you are eligible: https://www.mamacash.org/en/our-2020-grantmaking-window

Joint Statement: Trans Advocacy Week 2020

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Over the past 3 years, every June, Trans Advocacy Week (TAW) has been a key event at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible for us to convene a regular TAW2020. We don’t know when international institutions will come back to their usual work, international travel will be allowed, or meeting in person will be safe for all. But we do know that trans people and our human rights cannot wait for this crisis to pass. That is why we have come together to support trans people in these challenging times. 
In June 2020, Trans Advocacy Week will take place virtually. We will host a series of trainings, panels and participatory sessions, ensuring accessibility, diversity and visibility. More information will be released soon.

#SeeUsSupportUs: Recognise the Needs of Trans and Gender Diverse Communities during COVID-19 Pandemic

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Asia Pacific, like many other regions across the world, is witnessing an unprecedented health emergency with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the implications of which will be devastating and long-lasting for those at the margins of the society, including trans and gender diverse people. On this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV), we remind all stakeholders, especially decision-makers in the government, the national human rights institutions and United Nations (UN) human rights bodies, and donors, to recognise the unique vulnerabilities of trans and gender diverse communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and urge them to address their specific needs in an urgent manner.

The pandemic has exposed the alarming fragility and gaps in public health infrastructure across Asia Pacific. In most countries in the region, hospitals were already facing chronic shortage of equipment, facilities, and human resources to adequately meet the health needs of local populations. With the onset of the pandemic, the shortages are expected to increase manifolds as the number of patients needing critical healthcare increases by the hour. The crippled public health system can be attributed to decades of state neglect, prioritisation of defence budgets over social welfare budgets,[1] and an ever-increasing privatisation of health.[2],[3] The impact of a weak public health system which is gravely ill-equipped to provide essential healthcare services are deeply entrenched, and it is feared that in many countries in the region, public health systems will collapse with the onset of the epidemic. To make matters worse, many governments in the region did not respond swiftly and adequately to mitigate the risks of the epidemic.

The impacts of poor public healthcare programmes affect marginalised populations more severely, including trans and gender diverse people. Already, these populations are not able to access routine medical health care due to discrimination, lack of legal identification documents, violations of patients’ rights in healthcare settings, lack of sensitised medical staff, and high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.[4] In the contexts where most state-run outreach, testing, and treatment services require legal identification documents, the health needs of trans and gender diverse people could be easily overlooked and they could experience increased accessibility issues. Further, healthcare provider’s discriminatory attitudes could deter trans and gender diverse people from seeking timely COVID-19 treatment and care, compounding their health risks.

With the majority of countries in the region under lockdown, deeply entrenched social and economic inequalities and oppression are more visible than ever. Many trans and gender diverse people are ostracised by their families and are unable to access formal employment due to their gender identity and/or expression and hence experience homelessness or live in communal spaces which are often cramped.[5] Further, in sub-regions like South Asia and the Pacific, trans and gender diverse people often live in communal spaces due to the social ostracisation and discrimination from landlords.[6] They may not have access to safe shelters and adequate sanitation facilities during the lockdowns. Many trans and gender diverse people in the region earn their income through streetwork and ritual work, or are employed in informal sectors such as entertainment and sex work. They are bearing the brunt of long-lasting financial impacts of the lockdowns, with no or limited access to social protection.[7],[8],[9] While several public and private entities have issued support services and aid packages to provide relief to financially vulnerable individuals, it is feared that these interventions may not reach trans and gender diverse people, especially in countries where diverse gender identities are not socially accepted and remain highly stigmatised. The discriminatory treatment of trans and gender diverse people during humanitarian relief outreach has been well documented in the cases of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2010 floods in Pakistan, 2015 earthquake in Nepal, 2015 Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Philippines, and the 2016 Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji[10], and is already being experienced by the hijra community in Pakistan[11] and the trans communities in India.[12] Loss of income could also place trans and gender diverse individuals in a precarious position when they have to return to their hostile families and communities where they have to relive experiences of harassment, abuse and violence.

Trans and gender diverse populations in many countries in the region experience higher rates of illiteracy due to their financial and social marginalisation which could impede their access to important health and safety information. ‘Wash your hands frequently’ is a global health messaging aimed to prevent further spread of COVID-19 – however, access to adequate and trans-friendly sanitation facilities is still not a reality in many countries in the region, especially in rural areas.[13] Lack of adequate sanitation facilities at home, school, or in healthcare settings will make preventative measures difficult. In some cases, without the necessary sanitation facilities, these settings themselves may become a locus for the spread of the disease. Similarly, the rural and urban disparities in terms of access to timely access to safety information and access to public health facilities have heightened in the wake of COVID-19.  Further, trans and gender diverse people who are seeking asylum or have refugee or migrant status face life-threatening risks due to displacement and lack of access to safe shelter spaces and basic sanitation and hygiene facilities.[14],[15] 

Due to overburdened healthcare facilities, healthcare needs of trans and gender diverse people, including gender-affirming care, are being neglected and postponed indefinitely.[16],[17] Trans and gender diverse people living with HIV with underlying health conditions and low immunity (e.g. low CD4 count) could be more vulnerable to COVID-19 related morbidities and could experience higher mortality risk.[18] Despite the scale-up of HIV treatment in recent years, 15 million people across the globe who are living with HIV do not have access to antiretroviral therapy, which may compromise their immune systems.[19] Further, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may become more challenging due to restrictions on mobility and lack of confidentiality in healthcare settings. Many people living with HIV in Wuhan, China, for example, could not visit the hospital to get new supply of medications, and were reluctant to seek help from community officials due to fear of lack of confidentiality.[20]

Another concerning element is the new wave of transphobic and homophobic remarks by religious and community leaders in the light of the pandemic which could lead to increased prejudice, stigma, verbal abuse, and even physical violence against trans and gender diverse people.[21],[22] A study conducted by the Fiji Rainbow Pride Foundation and Oxfam Australia documented the experiences of Fijian people of diverse SOGIESC during the Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, when several community and religious leaders blamed them for bringing the cyclone as God’s punishment, leading to verbal abuse, feelings of alienation and social isolation, and exclusion from critical networks.[23] Additionally, in some countries like Nepal, the identities of suspected vectors of COVID-19 were made public[24] which is a direct violation of the right to privacy and also puts their safety at risk. For members of marginalised and socially stigmatised communities, safety risks in these situations will be higher.

The multiple and intersecting discrimination and the consequent vulnerabilities experienced by trans and gender diverse populations places them at  higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, anxiety and depression. The grave economic and health impacts and increased transphobia as a result of the pandemic could aggravate the situation.

Finally, the impact of COVID-19 on the already resource-constrained trans and gender diverse movement and the important work it does needs to be recognised and addressed by donors and funding agencies. Trans and gender diverse groups and organisations are experiencing fear and uncertainty for the survival of their organisations and constituents they serve due to potential reprioristing or retracting of resources by donors and funders. In many countries, civil society organisations (CSOs) and community groups are doing critical work to support efforts to ensure that those experiencing the impact of COVID-19 have access to acutely needed protection, care, and social services. These groups need continuous funding support to provide their communities access to services that states often fail to provide. It is further feared that coercive measures to enforce lockdowns could be discriminately applied to marginalised communities like trans and gender diverse people, and authoritative and military regimes in the region could exploit lockdown conditions to regulate and silence dissenting voices including civil society and human rights defenders.

Recommendations for Actions to Address the Impact of COVID-19 on Trans and Gender Diverse Communities:

To National and Local Governments:

  • Governments should ensure that all healthcare services related to COVID-19 are provided without stigma and discrimination of any kind, including on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Governments need to take steps to ensure everyone has affordable and accessible medical care and treatment options. Affirmative action (such as establishment of dedicated health facilities and sensitisation of medical workers and healthcare providers) should be taken by the government to ensure trans and gender diverse people have equal access to COVID-19 prevention, testing and care services in a safe environment.
  • Recognising the particular social and economic vulnerabilities of trans and gender diverse individuals, governments should implement affirmative measures to ensure that adequate relief aid (both financial and basic survival resources including food/water rations and sanitation products) reaches these populations while upholding their human rights, safety, and overall well-being.
  • Governments should ensure that the information they provide to the public regarding COVID-19 is accurate, unbiased, timely, and consistent with human rights principles.
  • Governments should ensure that all information about COVID-19 is accessible and available in multiple local languages, including for those with low or no literacy, or people with visual and hearing disabilities.
  • Health data is particularly sensitive in the context of COVID-19, and the publication of information can pose a significant risk to affected persons and in particular people who are already marginalised. Human rights-based legal protections should guide the appropriate use, disaggregation, and management of personal health data.[25]
  • Governments should ensure that HIV testing and treatment services are not affected by lockdowns or any other COVID-19 related measure, and people living with HIV are able to access the necessary medical care without any interruptions. Governments should ensure that trans and gender diverse individuals, especially those that are older and/or disabled, have equal access to emergency health services.
  • Governments should use a human-rights based approach in the implementation of any response to and protective measures against COVID-19, including broad lockdowns. Encourage law enforcement officers to focus on increasing safety rather than arrests, violence, surveillance, or other coercive measures.
  • Governments should take swift action to protect individuals and communities who may be targeted as bearing responsibility for COVID-19, establishing mechanisms to monitor, document and thoroughly investigate all reported incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable.
  • Governments should provide safe shelters to trans and gender diverse people who are experiencing homelessness or are living in unsafe living conditions.
  • Governments should allocate adequate resources to strengthen the public health system and to minimise out-of-pocket expenditures.
  • Governments should take all necessary legal, policy and programmatic measures to ensure legal gender recognition and inclusion of trans and gender diverse people in all social programmes including public health.
  • Governments should enact national tax reforms that ensure a progressive tax system with real redistributive capacity and affirmative action measures, such as subsidies, social protection or tax exemptions, that preserve, and progressively increase, the income of poorer households and to assist the most disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups including trans and gender diverse people.
  • Governments should invest in research, documentation of lived experiences of trans and gender diverse communities to inform future humanitarian response and relevant policies and programmes, to ensure it addresses the unique needs and vulnerabilities of trans and gender diverse communities.

To the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and the UN Human Rights Bodies:

  • National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and UN human rights bodies should ensure that states take all necessary measures to ensure healthcare services and relief services are provided to all on the basis of non-discrimination and equality.
  • National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and UN human rights bodies should ensure that state restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 are lawful, necessary and proportionate, are not discriminatory, and are fully respectful of human dignity. NHRIs and UN human rights bodies should continuously monitor the situation and provide guidance to states to ensure compliance to international human rights standards.

To Local, Regional and Global Human Rights Movements:

  • Local, regional and global human rights movements should support and collaborate with trans-led and trans-inclusive organisations in collecting and sharing relevant information and resources. In solidarity, human rights movements should join hands with groups and organisations working for marginalised populations to amplify their calls to decision-makers in the government.

To Donors/Funding Agencies:

  • Donors should allow trans-led and trans-inclusive organisations to reprioritise their programmes to address the most urgent needs of trans and gender diverse communities, including food and shelter, as well as the safety and well-being of their staff and volunteers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Donors should not retract any existing funding but should maintain or increase organisational support to resource-constraint trans-led and and trans-inclusive organisations in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Donors should increase investment in research and advocacy programmes on healthcare needs of trans and gender diverse populations and inclusion of trans and gender diverse people as key populations in public health policies and programmes.

For up to date information on how we are addressing COVID-19, please visit our page at www.facebook.com/weareaptn and weareaptn.org/covid19. For further recommendations and best practices on addressing the unique needs of LGBTIQ+ people in humanitarian settings, please refer to our “Pride in the Humanitarian System” consultation report. 
Download the PDF version of this statement.

Community Translations
Read the Nepalese translation done by Rukshana Kepali.

[1] M.T, Hirnissa & Habibullah, Muzafar & Baharom, A.H. (2009). The Relationship between Defense, Education and Health Expenditures in Selected Asian Countries. International Journal of Economics and Finance, 1(2). doi: 10.5539/ijef.v1n2p149

[2] Khor, S. K. (2020, January 17). The March of Private Health Care in Southeast Asia: Think Global Health. Retrieved from https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/march-private-health-care-southeast-asia

[3] The Private Medical Sector in South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.copasah.net/the-private-medical-sector-in-south-asia-bangladesh-india-nepal-pakistan-sri-lanka.html

[4] Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN). Key Population Research and Advocacy: Community-based Surveys on Status of Trans-responsive Healthcare. (Forthcoming).

[5] Winter, S. (2012). Lost in Transition: Transgender People, Rights and Hiv Vulnerability in the Asia-Pacific Region. Bangkok: UNDP & APTN. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/hivaids/UNDP_HIV_Transgender_report_Lost_in_Transition_May_2012.pdf

[6] Dwyer, E., & Woolf, L. (2018). Down by the River: Addressing the Rights, Needs and Strengths of Fijian Sexual and Gender Minorities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response. Carlton Victoria: Oxfam Australia. Retrieved from https://www.gdnonline.org/resources/Down-By-The-River_Web.pdf

[7] Banerji, A. (2020, March 24). India’s ‘invisible’ trans community struggles as coronavirus shuts life down. Thomson Reuters Foundation News. Retrieved from https://news.trust.org/item/20200324173322-40c2r

[8] Hussain, K. (2020, March 22). Transgender community fears complete lockdown will add more miseries to life. The Express Tribune. Retrieved from

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2181779/1-transgender-community-fears-complete-lockdown-will-add-miseries-life/

[9] Sen, P. (2020, March 22). Coronavirus: India’s Partial Lockdown Reeks Of Class, Caste Bias Leaving Socially, Sexually Disadvantaged Groups Vulnerable. Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-coronavirus-indias-partial-lockdown-reeks-of-class-caste-bias-leaving-socially-sexually-disadvantaged-groups-vulnerable/349250h

[10] Elisabeth Dotter, E., Dwyer, E., Devakula, D., & Holtsberg, M. (2018). Pride in the Humanitarian System: Consultation Report. Retrieved from https://weareaptn.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Consultation-Report_Pride-in-the-Humanitarian-System_All-Annexes.pdf

[11] Hussain, K. (2020, March 22). Transgender community fears complete lockdown will add more miseries to life. The Express Tribune. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2181779/1-transgender-community-fears-complete-lockdown-will-add-miseries-life/

[12] Banerji, A. (2020, March 24). India’s ‘invisible’ trans community struggles as coronavirus shuts life down. Thomson Reuters Foundation News. Retrieved from https://news.trust.org/item/20200324173322-40c2r

[13] Boyce, P., Brown, S., Cavill, S., et al. (2018). Transgender-inclusive sanitation: insights from South Asia. Waterlines, 37(2), 102–117. doi: 10.3362/1756-3488.18-00004

[14] Cane, L. D. (2020, February 16). Transgender Migrants in Mexico Arrive at US Border, Demand Entry into America. National File. Retrieved from https://nationalfile.com/transgender-migrants-in-mexico-arrive-at-border-demand-entry-into-america/

[15] Human Rights Watch. (2020). Human Rights Dimensions of Covid-19 Response. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/19/human-rights-dimensions-covid-19-response

[16] Banerji, A. (2020, March 24). India’s ‘invisible’ trans community struggles as coronavirus shuts life down. Thomson Reuters Foundation News. Retrieved from https://news.trust.org/item/20200324173322-40c2r

[17] Whalen, A. (2020, March 23). The Unexpected Way the Coronavirus Is Hurting Some Members of The Trans Community. Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/trans-transgender-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-youth-students-trevor-project-1493527

[18] Highleyman, L. (2020, March 28). UPDATED: What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus. Retrieved from https://www.poz.com/article/people-hiv-need-know-new-coronavirus

[19] UNAIDS. (n.d.). What people living with HIV need to know about HIV and COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.unaids.org/en/covid19

[20] Lee, L., & Westcott, B. (2020, March 14). People living with HIV in Wuhan struggle to find medicine during coronavirus outbreak. CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/health/coronavirus-china-hiv-wuhan-intl-hnk/index.html

[21] The Advocate. (2020, March 6). Coronavirus Is Punishment for ‘LGBT Sin,’ Says Far-Right Pastor. Retrieved from https://www.advocate.com/religion/2020/3/06/coronavirus-punishment-lgbt-sin-says-far-right-pastor

[22] Fazeli, Y. (2020, March 28). Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr says gay marriage caused coronavirus. Al Arabiya. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/03/28/Coronavirus-Iraqi-Shia-cleric-blames-gay-marriage-for-coronavirus

[23] Dwyer, E., & Woolf, L. (2018). Down by the River: Addressing the Rights, Needs and Strengths of Fijian Sexual and Gender Minorities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response. Carlton Victoria: Oxfam Australia. Retrieved from https://www.gdnonline.org/resources/Down-By-The-River_Web.pdf

[24] Body and Data. (2020, March 26). Privacy in the Pandemic. Retrieved from https://bodyanddata.org/privacy-in-the-pandemic/

[25] United Nations Independent Expert on SOGI. (2019). Report on Data collection and management as a means to create heightened awareness of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Retrieved from https://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/41/45

A letter to our collective trans and gender diverse movements in response to COVID-19

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We know at this time that all of you are finding ways to cope with the situation, grappling with how to respond to the myriad of news updates, and mitigate further spread of the virus, amidst many unknowns and concerns about the impact on your work and the health and safety of the communities you serve. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the vast social, economic and health disparities even more evident. Trans people are at more risk because of higher rates of underlying health conditions like HIV which lead to low immunity. If they do get sick, trans people often experience discrimination in healthcare settings; from disrespect, to outright refusal of care. Additionally, trans people are experiencing increased difficulties getting access to hormones and gender-affirmative health care. Unfortunately, social isolation is not new to transgender people. Due to lack of family support and higher rates of unemployment in formal sectors, many trans people experience poverty and are forced into precarious work environments. During this time, many of our community cannot afford to stop working in order to socially isolate. 

It is clearer now more than ever that an urgent shift is needed to prioritise investment in free public healthcare and social protection. It has also exposed wealth inequalities: while some can afford to panic buy and stock up on supplies, financially vulnerable communities cannot afford to be quarantined and have less access to essential supplies and food items. We empathize with able-bodied people and their experiences during this global health crisis, however it is equally important to recognise that if governments and public institutions had prioritized the experiences of those at the margins of society, adequate healthcare systems and social protection infrastructure would already be in place. 

We stand alongside you amidst the pandemic. APTN wants to hear about your challenges during this health crisis and support you given that the impact and effects of COVID-19 are likely to intensify. Let us know what you need and help us better understand the challenges that have emerged, how you are responding to the crisis, and what collective actions we can take as a movement to address these issues through this survey.

We are all experiencing a great deal of anxiety, fear and uncertainty from this pandemic, and we are mindful of the challenges that it will pose to the most marginalised among us. The team at APTN has put together a list of resources and a Listserv on COVID-19 information that might be useful as you adjust your lives. Please reach out to us at hello@weareaptn.org to join the Listserv or to share resources via the form here to support trans and gender diverse communities  through this difficult time. 

This is a time when collectivity, solidarity and humanity matter more than ever. Take care of yourselves and those around you.

In Solidarity,

Joe Wong, Executive Director
Asia Pacific Transgender Network

For up to date information on how we are addressing COVID-19, please visit our page at www.facebook.com/weareaptn and weareaptn.org/covid19

Download the PDF version of this letter.

Call for Applications: LGBTI Grant Proposals by UNDP

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Application Deadline: Tuesday, 31 March 2020

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub is inviting civil society organizations, networks and community-based organizations working on LGBTI inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region to submit grant proposals relating to one of the following three thematic areas:

  • Enhancing LGBTI youth leadership: strengthening the capacity and leadership of LGBTI youth networks to advocate for rights and inclusion; youth entrepreneurship and social innovation; capacity strengthening at national and/or regional level(s).
  • Transgender leadership and advocacy: strengthening policy advocacy and transgender-led programming at national and/or regional level(s) on key topics such as transgender health, depathologization, legal gender recognition and/or violence.
  • Supporting human rights for LGBTI people: improving human rights policies and programmes for LGBTI persons at national and/or regional level(s); strengthening of engagement by LGBTI civil society with human rights mechanisms.

Please visit the call page for more information and to see if you are eligible here.

This initiative is supported by Being LGBTI in Asia and the Pacific – a regional programme aimed at addressing inequality, violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, and promotes universal access to health and social services. It is a collaboration between governments, civil society, regional institutions and other stakeholders to advance the social inclusion of LGBTI people. The programme is supported by UNDP, the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry for European Affairs and Equality (Malta), the Government of Canada and Faith in Love Foundation (Hong Kong).

UNDP is the UN’s global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP’s vision is to support countries in achieving the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion.

Call for joint EIDHR Application: Project Manager, Intersex And Trans Movement Building Project

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Application Deadline: February 26, 2020

Location: Anywhere in the World (Remote)

Astraea seeks a consultant to manage the implementation of a three-year initiative, Building our Movements: Supporting Intersex and Trans Defenders to Claim their Rights and Advocate for Change, supported by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). 
This initiative is a partnership among Astraea’s Intersex Human Rights Fund, the International Trans Fund, SIPD Uganda, the Asia Pacific Trans Network, and ILGA World.

Via participatory grantmaking, capacity building, regional networking, international advocacy and institutional strengthening, the initiative aims to bolster the efforts of intersex- and trans-led movements in Africa, Asia and the Pacific to protect and realize the human rights of intersex and trans communities.

A bit more about what each organisation will be doing under the initiative, which runs for three years from 2020-2022:

  • The IHRF and ITF will be making grants to intersex- and trans-led organizations respectively via their annual grantmaking processes, and providing technical assistance and accompaniment support to grantee partners
  • The IHRF and ITF will partner with SIPD, APTN and other intersex- and trans-led regional networks to organize intersex- and trans-specific capacity-building and networking workshops in each region
  • SIPD and APTN will lead regional networking and advocacy efforts for intersex and trans movements in Africa and Asia & the Pacific respectively
  • ILGA World will partner with intersex and trans activists on international human rights advocacy efforts and initiatives, including through the collaborative Trans Advocacy Week and by exploring opportunities to collaboratively enhance intersex advocacy at the United Nations.

The Intersex and Trans Movement-Building Project Manager will work with Astraea and all partners to manage the implementation of this exciting initiative. The consultancy can be based anywhere in the world. Estimated level of effort (LOE) is approximately 14 hours/week on average. Intersex and trans people and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information and eligibility, please check on Astraea website.

Call for Applications: Women’s Fund Asia

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Application Deadline: 25 February 2020

Women’s Fund Asia newest call for applications is open, the Strengthening Feminist Movements Programme is accepting applications until 25 February 2020. Women and trans* rights groups, organisations, networks, and activists from 17 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam) working at the local, sub-national, and national levels are eligible to apply for this call.

Please visit the call page for more information and to see if you are eligible: http://www.womensfundasia.org/SFM2020-21/

We’re Hiring: APTN Consultant Roster 2020

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Application Deadline:  29 February 2020

About APTN

The Asia and Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) was launched in 2009, when a group of transgender women from various Asia and Pacific countries came together to champion the health, legal and social rights of trans women. In 2011, a trans man drew attention to the need to advocate for trans men and joined the APTN Board. Over the years, APTN has worked to build relationships with trans communities, organizations, governments, healthcare providers and other key stakeholders throughout the region. APTN’s reports and publications have helped guide social policy reform and human rights advances for trans people in many countries including China, Pakistan, and Nepal. Today, APTN is a leader in advocating for the rights of trans and gender diverse people throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Our Work & Objectives

APTN addresses transgender specific issues including vulnerability to gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, risks for HIV infection, and health issues stemming from almost complete lack of access to appropriate health and medical care. In this region, the terms transgender and trans are used frequently as an umbrella term to describe people whose gender identity is different from their assigned sex at birth including those who have not seek medically gender-affirming health services. 

BUILDING: Robust and Resilient

Building a robust, resilient, representative and self-reliant trans movement through national partners by building their skills and capacity as leaders, increasing their access to funding, facilitating diverse representation of the community, organizing south-to-south learning and exchanges, and promoting a culture of well-being and self-care for trans advocates.

ADVOCACY: Advancing Justice, Rights And Access

Advocating on human rights and equal rights for transgender communities by advancing their access to justice, legal gender recognition, healthcare, and ensuring freedom of movement

STRENGTHENING: Supporting The Growth And Development Of Trans People And Organisations

Strengthening the APTN Secretariat as a well-recognized, respected, robust and sustainable network through transparent and participatory governance, effective mechanisms of communications, establishment of knowledge/data hub on transgender issues, and engagement and expansion of partnership

Purpose of the Call for Consultants

The purpose of this call for consultants is to develop a roster of consultants experts for the year 2020. It will primarily benefit APTN by reducing the time and level of effort that is required while hiring a consultant. With the launch of APTN’s new strategic plan 2019-2020, it is essentially important for APTN to become efficient and deliver its action plans on time.

Q&A

Who can submit an application?

Individual Consultant means a person who is a specialist in a particular subject and whose job is to give advice and information to businesses, organizations and works as a freelance. Organization refers to any legal entity whose purpose and work are congruent to APTN’s goal, objectives and the above-mentioned issues/areas.

Anyone may submit his/her application however, we would encourage individuals and organizations that have related skills and extensive experiences in the type of work that APTN do.

What type of work will APTN outsource in 2020?

  • Scoping and monitoring the distribution of funding, including HIV/ AIDS resources to trans-specific programmes in Asia and the Pacific
  • Monitoring and evaluation of APTN projects
  • Facilitate and organise exchanges of experiences and peer learning among strategic partners
  • Community based quality monitoring tool development for harm reduction services and capacity building
  • Advocacy and policy briefs writing
  • Capacity building of trans community on issues relating to human rights and grant writing
  • Advocacy campaigns, videos and productions
  • Translation: English to National (language or vice versa translations of documents for example but not limited to Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Vietnamese, Khmer, Thai, Urdu, Chinese)
  • Support and create graphic designs and layouts
  • Rapporteur / notetaker / documenter / facilitator for workshops or other events
  • Organisational and institutional development (for networks and community-based organisations); includes module development, facilitation and mentoring
  • Resource mobilisation and fundraising
  • Research: quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and report writing

APTN is an Equal Opportunities Employer. APTN adheres to a fair recruitment process, regardless of any individual or group characteristics, including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, race, age, disability, ability, economic status, national origin, religion, ethnicity, and historical, cultural and geographic experiences.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex persons, transgender and gender non-binary persons, and persons from the Global South are especially encouraged to apply. 

What do I need to submit?

INDIVIDUALS

Individuals interested to submit an application must submit the documents below:

  1. A cover letter explaining your area of expertise and experiences.
  2. A complete CV with two referees (Applicants who have had consultancy experiences are requested to submit details of their previous consultancies including the fees you were paid.)

ORGANIZATIONS

Organizations interested to submit an application must submit the documents below:

Organization profile covering key relevant activities performed in the last 2 years. (Max 4 pages)

How do I submit my application?

Kindly submit the above-mentioned documents via email to apply@weareaptn.org by 29 February 2020 with the following email subject format – “Submission for the Consultant Roster – YOUR/Organization’s NAME – COUNTRY” or by filling the form here.

What will happen after I submit my application?

After the given deadline of this call, APTN secretariat will review all the applications and shortlist them. Shortlisted applications will be registered in the APTN Consultants Roster database.

Please note that there will be no acknowledgement of receipt of your application submission email. Shortlisted applicants will be notified individually via email in February 2020.

How does the roster work once I am registered?

Once you are registered in the roster of consultant, APTN secretariat may contact you for any consultancy opportunities that are relevant to your expertise. The issues and areas of consultancy depend on various current and upcoming projects that will be implemented by APTN in 2020. Though, please understand that being registered in the roster does not in any way assure a consultancy contract.

When you are selected as the consultant for a specific contract, you may be required to submit some additional documents like scanned copy of your ID/passport (registration documents for organizations) and documents that would verify the rate of your previous consultancies (depending on different funding agency’s requirement). 

The role of the selected consultant will be defined in the contract to be signed for the specific task.