Established in 2005, Gender DynamiX (GDX) is the first registered Africa-based public benefit organisation to focus solely on the transgender and broader gender diverse community. What started as a mere vision, slowly grew into a grassroots organisation. GDX has since become an institutionalised non-profit organisation (NPO) that is fundamental to the development of the trans and gender diverse movement(s) in South Africa and across Africa.

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Over the past 19 years GDX has built up a strong track record in understanding the diverse nature of the work and the diverse needs of trans and gender diverse persons both in South Africa and its surrounding regions. Based on its organisational values, GDX aims to work in ways that uphold ideals of self-identification, self-determination, respect for diversity, inclusivity, meaningful participation, transparency and accountability; whilst seeking to position trans and gender diverse persons through the realisation of their (our) autonomy and potential for nation-building.

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GDX has contributed extensively to the body of knowledge on trans and gender diverse experiences, needs and rights – and has raised visibility locally, regionally and globally. To date, GDX has focused on issues related to legal reform, inclusive education and access to gender affirming healthcare as its primary objectives. This is done through research, knowledge sharing, advocacy and the ongoing training of key stakeholders. The organisation also invests in and supports the emergence of nascent trans-led and trans-specific organisations whilst also supporting diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) organisations and stakeholders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region through ‘Trans 101’ sensitisation training and education workshops in the context of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). In addition, GDX has also been entrusted to fulfil a regional mandate to work with in-country southern Africa-based partners. This sees the organisation providing technical assistance under the United Nations Universal Period Review process and providing other organisations with organisational development and capacity enhancement support. Our regional strength as an organisation has been achieved through a combination of networking, capacity building and the promotion of sharing and learning with diverse trans-leaders, activists, researchers, practitioners and professionals at our biennial Regional Trans Health, Advocacy and Research Conferences. Our aim is to use best practice to catalyse positive change in South Africa and its surrounding regions through continued bilateral and multilateral in-country and cross-border collaborations and partnerships.

Our story is available for download in PDF.

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