There is no doubt if any that Trans  people face structural vulnerabilities  coupled with lack of legal recognition and pathologisation  influence  health across multiple conditions . In most cases primary health care services including HIV services which are not trans competent thus access to appropriate hormonal therapy and surgery in Africa is increasingly  difficult. 

Sadly  most Transgender people on the continent never get the chance to medically ‘transition’ and this  lack of access to relevant  medical services creates a stressful situation and often times contributes to poor mental health and and  low self-esteem which can also fuel risky sexual health behaviour. In some cases people  resort to "self medicating" by purchasing hormones on the black market  and this also financially costly and it also  increases the risk of further health complications.

The workshop will delve on lived realities of Trans people from the region and also explore ways in which allies can collaborate and support organisations working on these issues on the ground.