Our Team Lead Shines On A Continental Stage
Unbreakable: Our Voice, Our Pride, Our Future
Attending the Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) Conference 2025 in Johannesburg was more than a professional milestone—it was a deeply transformative journey. As Team Lead of The Equality Pathway Initiative (TEPI), I arrived with a clear intention: to strengthen my understanding of community solidarity, safety, and legal gender recognition (LGR), and to carry that knowledge back to the communities we serve in northern Nigeria.
This year’s theme, “Unbreakable: Our Voice, Our Pride, Our Future,” felt profoundly personal. It reflected the resilience of LGBTQI+ movements across Africa and reaffirmed the power of collective action in the face of systemic challenges.
A Continental Gathering of Changemakers
PAI 2025 brought together a vibrant mix of LGBTQI+ advocates, donors, community leaders, human rights lawyers, implementing organizations, youth movements, and political representatives. The diversity in the room made every conversation richer—rooted in lived realities and shared determination.
Trans Pre-Conference: Leadership, Health, and Solidarity
On November 24th, I joined the Trans Pre-Conference, which centered trans leadership, community solidarity, health, and legal recognition. We examined the dangers of self-medication, the urgent need for safe access to hormones, trust-building among trans-led organizations, family-building, and how global human rights instruments—like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—can drive national change.
Learning alongside advocates from ILGA World, the European Union, ISDAO, ITF, and others reinforced the importance of cross-country exchange. A standout moment was meeting Barbara from Kenya—an older trans woman whose wisdom and unwavering presence reminded me why intergenerational trans solidarity is essential.
Healing as Resistance: Ubuntu Relaxation Space
Beyond the sessions, the Ubuntu Relaxation Centre offered a vital space for rest and reflection. It acknowledged a truth we often overlook: activism is emotional labor, and healing is part of resistance. I also connected with African human rights lawyers, including a Nigerian representative, opening pathways to strengthen our legal advocacy at home. Together, we contributed to a shared guide for legal, safety, and security practitioners to better protect trans communities—lovingly referred to as “the dolls.”
Bringing Knowledge Back to TEPI
Everything I learned—on governance, solidarity, safety, and leadership—will be translated into step-down trainings at TEPI. Our focus will be on strengthening youth leadership, building strategic networks, improving community protection, and sharpening our advocacy approach.
A Milestone Moment: Moderating a National-Level Session
One of my proudest moments at PAI 2025 was moderating “Trans Movement and Social Inclusion in Africa.” It was my first time facilitating a national-level session, and an honor to represent TEPI on such a platform.
We explored gaps in trans movement organizing, underrepresentation in leadership spaces, access to essential services (asylum, healthcare, education), safety, LGR, and community awareness. With 87 participants—including Francophone, Lusophone, Arabic-speaking, and Anglophone activists—the conversation was as diverse as it was impactful.
As moderator, I focused on deep listening, affirming speakers, asking open-ended questions, honoring pronouns, managing time, and grounding discussions with practical insights from Nigeria. The applause and feedback I received were affirming—and motivating.
Learning, Connecting, Celebrating
Across the conference, I attended 15 sessions spanning human rights, spirituality, religion, safety and security, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). PAI 2025 closed with a joyful dinner and networking night—an opportunity to celebrate our shared strength and renewed connections.
Returning Home, Unbreakable
This journey empowered me with new knowledge, networks, and courage. It reaffirmed that our voices are unbreakable, our pride is powerful, and our future is bright—when we stand together.
I return home ready to continue advocating, building, and supporting our communities with renewed energy and conviction.
