Meet the Queer Connect 2.0 Class of 2026: The Diversity Cohort
Meet Queer Connect 2.0’s Class of 2026: about 40 participants, two dynamic facilitators, and practical job readiness skills shaped by feedback from Queer Connect 1.0.
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Our Strategy
How We Work
Our approach is rights-based and community-led. We listen to people's experiences, involve them in shaping our work, and build relationships across health, education, research, feminist, and social justice movements.
We recognise that identity, income, location, and access to support can shape people's experiences in different ways. Our programmes respond to these intersecting realities, with attention to safety, dignity, and meaningful participation.
Together, we’re building a society that is inclusive, prosperous, and free from violence, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Mission
To build inclusive spaces that advance healing, empowerment, and opportunity for marginalised communities, particularly transgender and gender-diverse young people, through education, wellbeing support, community engagement, and advocacy.
Vision
We envision a just and inclusive society where transgender and gender-diverse people can live authentically, thrive with dignity, and access the support and opportunities to fulfil their potential.
Core Values
We respect diverse identities and experiences. We act with honesty and take responsibility for our decisions, relationships, and use of resources. We believe in our shared humanity. Our work grows through care, and solidarity.
Help Build What Comes Next
There are many ways to contribute to a more inclusive future. You can support our programmes, share your expertise, collaborate on research or advocacy, offer learning and employment opportunities, or help connect communities with resources. Together, we can create more room for care, opportunity, and belonging.
Get InvolvedProjects
Creating Pathways to Change
Explore our Projects supporting LGBTQ+ young people to build skills, access opportunities, strengthen wellbeing, and shape change in their communities.
Movement Moments with IGE_SRH
TEPI is currently implementing the Movement Moments micro-grant under the Sauti Safi Project, with support from Initiative for Gender Equality and Sexual Reproductive Health
Q-Connect Programme: A Career Launchpad Initiative
A four-week Job Preparedness Series designed to equip young queer individuals with the confidence, skills, and community needed to succeed professionally in today's world of work
Charting Inclusive Futures with UNAIDS
Identifying and documenting the priority health, social, and human rights needs of Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) persons in Nigeria. With focus on documenting intersecting lived realities for intervention.
Q-Corner Initiative
The Q-Corner Initiative aims to create a dynamic, safe, and empowering space for queer individuals to connect, engage, and collaborate. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and provide a platform for meaningful conversations, learning, and advocacy.
Q-Tech Academy
In a world where technology and creativity are the driving forces of change, queer Nigerians deserve a platform that offers equal opportunities. Q-Tech Academy is here to bridge that gap-fostering talent, building resilience, and unlocking potential through world-class training from Industry exoerts
4+
Years of Experience in Organizing
Partner with Us!
Partners and Donors
Our Partners and Collaborators
Progress grows through shared effort. We work with community organisations, advocates, researchers, service providers, and development partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen support, and advance inclusion.
We welcome collaborations rooted in respect, accountability, and shared purpose.
Gallery
Our Community in Focus
Moments of connection, learning, advocacy, and joy from across our work. Meet the people and communities shaping a more inclusive future with TEPI.
TEPI's Programme Manager, Felix Godwin with partners from other tran-led organizations
TEPI team meeting with partners from UNAIDS Nigeria
Our Team
The People Behind TEPI
Our team brings together young advocates and professionals with experience across community engagement, health, research, communications, finance, and programme delivery.
We are connected by a shared commitment to dignity and inclusion, and by the belief that young people should have an active role in shaping their communities’ futures.
Aliyah BAANA (she/her)
Executive Director
Felix GODWIN (he/they)
Programme Manager
Golden HENSHAW (they/them)
Communications/Advocacy Manager
Bassie JUSTUS (he/him)
Finance Manager
Emmanuel ONWE (he/they)
Co-Director & Board Liaison
News
Our Latest Updates
The latest news from The Equality Pathway Initiative on our programmes, our work with communities and other developing stories in the movement and how young people must be involved in its response. Follow us on Instagram Facebook, X and LinkedIn for more regular news and latest updates.
TEPI Announces Movement Moments Grant from IGE-SRH to Support Transgender Day of Remembrance
TEPI receives the Movement Moments Grant from IGE-SRH under the Sauti Safi Project to support Transgender Day of Remembrance in Nigeria.
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Q Corner X Spaces – SEASON 3
Explore TEPI’s Q-Corner X Spaces Season 3: conversations on LGBTQI+ health, wellbeing, community, and resileince
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When we hear lived experiences, what changes?
For World Mental Health Day 2026, TEPI reflects on listening to LGBTQI+ young people in Nigeria, respecting boundaries and turning real voices into meaningful change.
Read moreTestimonials
Our Communities Speak
At TEPI, our core values align with the principles of Ubuntu—"I am because you are." We exist today because of our community, and there will be no TEPI tomorrow if we leave our community behind. Here are some of the powerful insights our network has shared about their experiences with us.
My first experience with The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI) highlighted the critical need to integrate queer rights within the broader Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) movement. Often, LGBTQ+ issues are addressed separately from other SRHR concerns like contraception and gender-based violence, which fragments the movement. TEPI stands out for addressing these gaps and fostering an inclusive, equitable space, especially for marginalized groups. My experience with TEPI has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of collective action, and I fully support their mission to champion the rights of all.
NGOZI
QCorner Community Participant
"In the past few weeks with The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI), I've met inspiring young queer individuals who’ve shown me that we grow by lifting each other. I’ve also learned that our voices matter—if we speak up. TEPI has created a safe space for queer people to share, support, and find solutions to help our community thrive. It's truly a blessing to have TEPI empowering queer Nigerians and Africans."
CLEMS
QCorner Community Participant
"Being part of The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI) as both Beneficiary and now, as a team member has been life-changing. I've seen the passion and dedication they put into creating a safe, inclusive space for marginalized communities. Their commitment to empowering queer individuals and challenging injustice is truly inspiring. As a beneficiary, I've found a sense of belonging and purpose. TEPI's programs have helped me grow personally and professionally, and for that, I'm forever grateful. If you're looking for a supportive community and meaningful advocacy, The Equality Pathway Initiative is a beacon of hope and change."
MAYOR
Emergency Relief Fund Beneficiary
Choosing to step out of my comfort zone with The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI) has been life-changing. I've realized that the only limits we have are the ones we set for ourselves. With the right support, like the family at TEPi, you can achieve more than you ever dreamed. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities they've given me and proud to be part of this journey. I’ll keep showing up because, with The Equality Pathway Initiative, the possibilities are endless!
FARUK
Innovator's Fund Beneficiary