There are still alarming levels of violence against transgender people, and a lack of recognition of their rights. During a visit to UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 18 September, Marcela Romero and Venus Tejada, representatives of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Transgender People (REDLACTRANS), shared the startling fact that transgender women in the region have a life expectancy of only 35 years.

During the visit, Ms Romero and Ms Tejada met with the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, and spoke about REDLACTRANS’ work in 13 countries. A grant to REDLACTRANS from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria helped to establish a centre that collects testimonies and follows up cases of human rights violations committed against transgender women in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Stigma, discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities prevent them from accessing health services,” said Mr Sidibé. “Everyone has the right to health, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. For that, we need zero discrimination for everyone, everywhere.” Read more via UNAIDS