By Naomi Tulay-Solanke

The International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is a poignant occasion dedicated to honoring the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and discrimination. This day not only serves as a memorial but also as a call to action for greater awareness and support for the transgender community.

In this context, IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in the West African nation of Liberia, Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI), spearheads the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative, which strives to cultivate a more inclusive society that values and respects non-binary and LGBTIQ+ identities.

Through educational workshops, community engagement efforts, and advocacy campaigns, CHI, through this initiative, aims to dismantle stereotypes and challenge societal norms that marginalize these groups. The organization empowers individuals and communities to embrace diversity and work toward equality by establishing safe, open dialogue and learning spaces.

The ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative has been implemented in three counties in Liberia: Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Margibi counties since 2022. It focuses on spreading awareness and providing essential support and resources to LGBTIQ+ individuals, ensuring their voices are amplified and their rights are protected.

Stories of Courage, Advocacy, and Progress Through the ‘Embracing Diversity’ Initiative

The reach of the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative has been substantial, with over 500 beneficiaries receiving support through educational workshops, community engagement efforts, and advocacy campaigns. Preliminary data indicates a marked improvement in participants’ well-being, with 75% of surveyed beneficiaries reporting increased confidence in accessing healthcare.

"As a non-binary person, I have faced discrimination and exclusion in Liberia. Thankfully, the ‘Embrace Diversity’ initiative by CHI has given me the courage to express my true self. I finally feel seen and accepted in my community and society. It is time for us to stand together and promote acceptance and equality for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation." - Coniel, 30, activist.

"I have seen firsthand the impact of discrimination and stigma on non-binary and LGBTIQ+ individuals in our society. Thanks to CHI, I have found a supportive community where I can share my experiences and learn from others like me. It is time for us to take a stand and promote love, respect, and inclusivity for all community members." - Herbert, 35, social worker.

"I was homeless for the past year when my identity as lesbian was revealed to my family. Due to the religious role they play in the church, my parents threw me out of their home. The emergency response funds from CHI have provided a safe home for me to survive and be reunited with my family." - Angel, 27, human rights advocate.

Transforming Lives with Advocacy, Healthcare, and Community Support

Healthcare providers have been pivotal to the success of this initiative. Pandora, a clinician involved with the project, shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive care.

“I work as an Officer In Charge at a private health facility that offers sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. I have had the opportunity to interact with non-binary LGBTIQ+ individuals. During my first encounter, I had my personal misgivings. Still, I soon realized that as a nurse, it is my duty to care for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I attended to the patient, and while he was initially reluctant to open up, after some counseling, he began to confide in me about his lifestyle and medical condition. I provided him with the necessary treatment, and now he’s doing well and says he feels at ease around me. He is comfortable expressing himself and sharing any challenges he faces. It is crucial for us as service providers to see these individuals as part of our community and to eliminate discrimination. Through this initiative, we have received specialized training on providing compassionate, non-judgmental care to LGBTIQ+ individuals.”

Pandora and other clinicians involved in the project have developed new protocols to ensure the LGBTIQ+ community feels comfortable and respected when accessing healthcare. Training sessions have included discussions on the unique mental health challenges that non-binary and transgender individuals often face, equipping providers to deliver well-rounded, culturally competent care.

Speaking about the ‘Embracing Diversity’ initiative, Ms. Tracy Newon, an official from Liberia’s Ministry of Health (MoH), National AIDS Control Programs admits that delivering health services without discrimination is essential.

“It ensures everyone receives equal care and support, fostering an inclusive environment where all patients feel valued and respected. This ultimately improves health outcomes and builds trust within the community.”

Reflections on Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward for Inclusivity

Additionally, the project has trained 100 healthcare providers, enhancing their ability to meet the unique needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals. These statistics reflect the project’s tangible impact and showcases the progress toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment for Liberia’s LGBTIQ+ community. Over the coming years, CHI hopes to expand this initiative to other parts of Liberia and address the needs of more beneficiaries.

The reflections of the beneficiaries, insights from service providers, and support from the Ministry of Health underscore the importance of ‘Embracing Diversity’ in honoring the lives of transgender individuals. The initiative continues to make significant differences in the lives of countless individuals, building a foundation of inclusivity and acceptance that will have lasting effects.

By providing essential support, facilitating understanding among healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes, the initiative is paving the way for a more compassionate Liberia.

As the world observes the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is important for all stakeholders to continue advocating for initiatives that promote inclusivity and support. The journey of individuals like Coniel, Herbert, and Angel serve as powerful reminders of the need for ongoing efforts to foster a society where all individuals can live authentically and safely.

To achieve this, continued efforts are necessary to ensure that these strides are not just sustained but expanded, helping to create a future where every Liberian, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is respected and valued.

Naomi Tulay-Solanke is CHI’s Executive Director.

Also read: Healthcare providers must be sensitized on the health needs of the transgender community: the story of Arya Jeipea Karijo

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