Organised by local campaigners, the event welcomed representatives and members of the trans and LGB community for a day long promotion of diversity, tolerance and acceptance. The event featured guest speakers, workshops and discussions on transgender issues and an open celebration, which included the crowning of ‘Mr and Mrs Trans Tanzania’.

As well as being an important outlet for the heavily-marginalised trans community, the event also hoped to promote progressive change in Tanzania by calling upon authorities to recognise trans, non-binary and third-gender identities in a legal capacity.

Due to security concerns further details of this event are not publicly available.

As well as discussion and workshops the day will also end with an after party and competition to find the country’s first “Mr and Mrs” trans champions.

Due to security concerns exact details of the event and location are currently secret. More updates will be shared when they are made publicly available.

The Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights marked May 17 with a statement that demands the protection of the human rights of LGBTQI individuals and allied human rights defenders. It also calls for the protection of the right to freedom of expression and the revocation of any discriminatory law against LGBTQI communities. LGBT Voice Tanzania also released a brief statement of support for May 17.

On May 17, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) joined its voice with LGBTQI individuals and human rights activists worldwide in calling for respect for the right to freedom of expression, both of LGBTQI individuals and allied human rights defenders.

The statement was sent out from the Tanzania Office, as well as the Philippines and Mexico Offices, to members, partners and allies (more than 1,000 individuals and organizations). Special messages were put on their website, Facebook and Twitter.

The Network, a Southern-based global, member-driven network which builds and strengthens movements for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and justice. Established in 1984 in the Netherlands, WGNRR has 30 years experience of mobilizing and campaigning on SRHR issues. In 2008, WGNRR relocated the Coordinating Office from Amsterdam to Manila, where it is currently headquartered.

You can read the full text of May 17 statement here.

Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights Webpage here.

LGBT Voice Tanzania statement

LGBT Voice Tanzania released a brief statement of support for May 17 around the world on their facebook page. The statement follows in full:

“Today Saturday, we honor the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), an international celebration of sexual and gender diversity. IDAHOT is a day for all of us to demand an end to violence and discrimination against LGBT people. This year’s theme is freedom of expression.

Together we can-and we will—create a world that is safe and welcoming for all of us, no matter who we love or how we define ourselves. With warmth and solidarity.”

LGBT Voice Tanzania are currently appealing for funding for a pioneering research and documentation project on LGBT lives in Tanzania, via a crowdfunding campaign. You can find out more here and via their website.