Sixteen trans and gender diverse activists from fifteen countries across all regions of the world - including Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, North America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean - participated in the first Trans Advocacy Week at the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

This historical event was a joint initiative organized by the Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE), the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), the Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights (RFSL), and Transgender Europe (TGEU).

Highlights of the Trans Advocacy Week

A key highlight of the week was the groundbreaking panel on Transgender People, Mental Health and Human Rights. Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, the Independent Expert on SOGI issues, and Dr. Dainius Pūras, the Special Rapporteur on Health, presented at the panel, accompanied by the presentations of Viviane Vergueiro and Mauro Cabral Grinspan, and the moderation of Julia Ehrt. After the panel presentations, other participants spoke from the floor.

Video from the side event is available in two parts - Part 1 and Part 2.

The Trans Advocacy Week was planned after trans activists’ participation in the Public Consultation called by the UN Independent Expert on SOGI on January 2017.