Bradley Fortuin | Botswana

Bradley is a social justice activist with extensive experience in program design. Bradley has a track record in supporting and creating several impactful accountability processes, including the successful registration of LEGABIBO and supporting the Repeal 164 campaign, which contributed to the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations in Botswana.

Claudina Shimanda | Namibia

Claudina is the assistant programs officer at the Council of Churches in Namibia. She is also a project planner, researcher and mental health coach. She is part of the African Peer Review Mechanism which enables African countries to share experiences, reinforce best practices, identify deficiencies and assess capacity building needs to foster policies, structures and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth and sustainable development.

Connex Khomba | Malawi

Connex is a LGBTI activist and transgender man from Malawi with experience as a grants and advocacy officer at the Ivy Foundation. He is particularly dedicated to addressing discrimination and violence against lesbian women, transgender women and intersex people.

Deyonce Naris | Namibia

Deyonce is a feminist, human rights, and gender activist and is the interim director of the Transgender, Intersex, and Androgynous Movement of Namibia (TIAMON), which advocates for the human rights and bodily autonomy of trans-diverse people. Deyonce was the chairperson of the Southern Africa Trans Forum, which is an alliance of trans organizations that are trans-led and trans-specific in their focus.

Diana Mailosi | Zimbabwe

Diana is a public health specialist and human rights advocate. She has worked as a capacity strengthening consultant for organisations such as Positive Vibes, HIVOS, Gender Dynamix, the Southern African Trans Forum and Bonela, amongst others. She is currently the advocacy coordinator for a multi-country project focused on access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Donwell Mpofu | South Africa

Donwell is an educator, transgender activist and human rights defender, striving to create an inclusive and safe space for students across southern Africa. Through his activism, he aims to break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and foster acceptance of transgender people.

Eli Ndumba | Namibia

Eli is an independent LGBTI justice advocate. He has a background in administration and has worked in the service industry. He has also worked with an organization focused on youth business development, giving expression to his passion about the economic participation of young people.

Godfrey Kambewa | Malawi

Godfrey is the executive director of the Angaza Foundation, a human rights advocacy organization that ensures that LGBTI groups have access to social and health services.

Joaquina Nasceu | Mozambique

Joaquina currently works for Por Ela which promotes the human rights of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women. She has a background in clinical psychology and social work. She participated in the We Lead programme as a focal point for the safety and protection of women affected by displacement, HIV, and disability, and women who are LBQ and trans.

John Ondiek | Seychelles

John is the chief executive officer of United for a Purpose Brigade which works with vulnerable people to advance their sexual and reproductive health and rights. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in transformational church leadership from Pan Africa Christian University in Nairobi Kenya, and has been a trainer with the Aids and Rights Alliance of Southern Africa.

Lorraine Setuke | Botswana

Lorraine is an independent researcher, an LBGTQI+ human rights advocate, and software engineer in Botswana. She is a founding member and former vice-chairperson of Lesbians Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO).

Mary Chard | Zimbabwe

Mary is the co-founder and executive director of Rise Above Women’s Organisation (RAWO). She was instrumental in setting up the first LBQ Women’s Movement in Zimbabwe which was loosely formed around a small membership of LBQ women who were looking for space to work and socialize. She is also a long standing member of Zimbabwe’s national LGBTI organization, GALZ.

Mphatso Sakala | Zambia

Mphatso is the executive director of the Intersex Society of Zambia. They are part of the leadership of the African Intersex Movement (AIM), which brings together intersex activists from across Africa.  Mphatso has played an active role in intersex activism in Africa and has demonstrated both passion and commitment to intersex human rights advocacy and documentation.

Nyx McLean | South Africa

Nyx is a transdisciplinary researcher who holds a national research foundation (NRF) rating for their contribution to the study of LGBTIAQ+ identities, communities and social movements. Nyx is recognised for their strong understanding of continental politics and human rights matters relating to LGBTIQ people, especially transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse identities and lived experiences.

Randrianarisoa Raymonde | Madagascar

Riana is an independent journalist focused on investigative and cross-border journalism. She is a founding member and the current general secretary of the Madagascar network of investigative journalists. She has a master’s degree in communications and media.

Ruth Kedikilwe | Botswana

Ruth is the managing partner at Relay Media and Communications, established to empower the social justice movement through media. She worked for Botswana’s largest newspaper, The Sunday Standard as an editor and was the gender focal point for The Standard and The Telegraph. She was in the task force for the ‘gender mainstreaming in the media’ campaign that resulted in a significant increase of women in newsrooms.

Terrie Molepo | South Africa

Terrie is a marketing professional with a passion for LGBTI activism, especially in corporate spaces. Through her non-profit organization, Trans Narrative Consultancy, Terrie has collaborated in an initiative that assists trans and non-binary people to acquire skills to enter the job market. Terrie is also the co-chairperson of UNITE SA, the LGBTI forum of the WPP group of advertising agencies in South Africa.

Anjeelee Kaur Beegun has a background in public law and has formerly taught constitutional and administrative law at the University of Réunion. She has joined Collectif Arc-En-Ciel,  Mauritius-based LGBT rights organisation in 2018, where she has successively held the positions of Head of Legal and Advocacy, Deputy Director and finally Executive Director. She has experience working on strategic litigation in regards to decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy. She also undertakes consultancy works on SOGIESC and diversity and inclusion trainings. She is a Human Rights Campaign Foundation 2020 Global Innovator.

Aunício da Silva Emília Avalinho is an entrepreneur in the media area and is the founder and editor of IKWELI Journal based in the city of Nampula, northern Mozambique. For a little more than seven years, Aunício worked as a communications manager at several Mozambican non-governmental organizations and collaborated with various magazines, newspapers and national and foreign news agencies. Aunício holds a degree in International Law from the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Mozambique in Nampula. He has been an activist and human rights advocate for over ten years. In recent years through the platforms of his newspaper has stood out in the defence and promotion of the rights of LGTI people.

Caroline Mudzengi is an LGBTQI+ activist from Zimbabwe who is a Programmes Officer for Voice of the Voiceless, an LBQT+ organisation based in Zimbabwe. Carol’s pronouns are she and her. She is a queer feminist and artist. She is a healing justice practitioner and intersectional thinker. Carol advocates for inclusion of LBQT+ persons in Zimbabwe and uses her creative expression in the form of batik paintings and poetry to channel some of her perceptions of different subjects. Carol is always seeking innovation in how queer identifying individuals can interrogate intersectionality with other struggles and build alliances with other movements. She is an artivist, a former professional dancer and also a student. Carol has been active as an LGBTQI activist in various capacities for over 10 years.

Tshegofatso Joshua Sehoole enjoys driving context-relevant strategic advocacy which he pursues through research, strategic engagement, capacity strengthening, and advancing policy and legal reform. His approach is grounded in social justice, centering marginalized communities and seeking to subvert and dismantle oppressive power dynamics. Tshego is inspired by African feminist, decolonial ideals, and values meaningful partnerships rooted in community that recognize individual and communal wellbeing as political priorities. Some of his current passions include serving as: Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Manager at the Engine Room; A member of the Centre for Human Rights Legal Task Team on the Semenya case; A lay-leader at Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue; Participating in the SOC 8 reform process by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He is grateful for the amazing activists who have walked before him and those who walk with him, the support and nurturing by his family and community, the guidance of his ancestors, and the continual Presence of Divine Grace.

Khumbo Soko is a is a graduate of the Universities of Malawi and Warwick in Coventry, England where he was awarded a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Master of Laws degree in International Economic Law (with distinction) respectively. Khumbo has been admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Malawi since May 13, 2010. His areas of practice have included criminal law, unjust enrichment, constitutional and human rights law (with a focus on rights of LGBTI persons), labour and employment law, adoption law and  corporate and business law. In November 2014 Khumbo founded the law firm of Soko & Co, based in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city specialised in commercial law litigation and advisory services in the business law, inter-Country adoptions, immigration, investment and legislative lobbying. He was the President for the Malawi Law Society for one year from February 25^th 2017. He had previously served as the Society’s Honorary Secretary from February, 2014 to February, 2017.  Peer reviewer from Zambia whose identity is not disclosed.

Liberty Matthyse is the Executive Director of Gender Dynamix. Identifying as a trans non-binary person, she/they hold a Master’s Degree in Law (cum laude) focused on non-discrimination and marriage equality for transgender persons. Liberty also holds qualifications in Project Management, Leadership, Financial Management and Strategic Business Management (University of Cape Town).  She/They can be defined as a community-centred, critical-thought, human rights and social justice activist whose passion in fighting for dignity, equality and freedom for trans and gender diverse persons drives their/her dedication to achieving positive change. Author to a self-published book “A Darling’s Journey to Liberty”, in her/their spare time she/they enjoys playing tennis, writing and spending time with loved ones, particularly in their/her hometown of Darling.

Melanie Judge is a queer and feminist activist and scholar. She is an adjunct associate professor in public law the University of Cape Town and holds a PhD in Women’s and Gender Studies. As an independent consultant, Melanie collaborates with local and international NGOs and donors on strategy, process facilitation and research to advance social justice. As a long-time activist for sexual and gender rights, Melanie has played a prominent role in advocacy, law reform, research and training in the field. Her work is widely published in the mainstream media and in academic books and journals, and she is author of the monograph ‘Blackwashing Homophobia: Violence and the Politics of Sexuality, Gender and Race’ (Routledge). Melanie has served on the governing boards of numerous NGOs and is currently an executive member of the Sexuality and Gender Division of the Psychological Society of South Africa, and a trustee of GALA, the national queer archive

Nosipho Twala is an educator and researcher at Labour Research Service, a non-profit labour support organisation that provides research, information and participatory education for the development of trade unions and communities in South Africa. Nosipho is a feminist, a gender activist and works with trade union activists and community activists to build cultures of gender equality and social justice. She is passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces.  Nosipho is a Gender at Work associate and a core author of “Equality is everyone’s Business” a guide for worker’s, employers, HR managers, trade unions and NGOs on eliminating homophobia and transphobia in South African Workplaces. Previously, Nosipho was a coordinator of Remmoho Women’s Forum, a women’s network of the Anti-Privatization Forum.

Reuben Silungwe has worked as a mathematics examiner since 2008 and is currently working as: Programs, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Zambia Sex Workers Alliance (ZASWA); a Part-time Research Assistant (young key populations’ health issues); and as a Regional Consultant (sex workers health). He is an IAVI Fellowship, IAS/AVAC HIV-Cure Research Advocacy Academy Fellowship, HR4P 2018 and 2020 Scholar, Sex Workers Academy Africa and Mandela Institute of Development Studies and Civil Society Leadership Programme Alumni. Reuben has been employed full-time as an educator (science and mathematics) and citizen journalist.  He has held some senior positions in a few not-for-profit organisations.

Tshenolo Jennifer Madigele (BA, MA and PhD) is a Theology Lecturer at The University of Botswana.  Her teaching areas include Practical Theology and Systematic Theology of which Ethics, Pastoral Care and Counseling are taught. Her research interests include, Human Sexuality, with a focus on the LGBTI (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered and the intersex) communities, Botho Pastoral Care and Counselling, Pastoral Care and Counselling of the LGBTI persons, Religion and Spirituality and Elderly Care. One of her relevant publication:  Tshenolo J. Madigele, “Informed by heterosexual moral norms? Raising some moral questions for traditional leaders, lawyers and the general public in Botswana”  and James N. Amanze and T.J. Madigele, “What is love got to do with it: A Theological Analysis of Passion killings in Botswana and the response of the Church”, BOLESWA Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy, vol. 4, no. 2 (Dec. 2014) pp. 206-222.

Aldovanda Djive‘s activist career began in 2013 when she joined LAMBDA in Mozambique as a peer educator. She is a passionate advocate for the human rights of lesbian and bisexual women and has helped to design and implement internal policies that include lesbian and bisexual women in LAMBDA programs. Aldovanda has received training on Civic Leadership at the Young African Leader’s Initiative (YALI) in Maputo.

Aunício da Silva Emília Avalinho is an entrepreneur in the media area and is the founder and editor of IKWELI Journal based in the city of Nampula, northern Mozambique. For a little more than seven years, Aunício worked as a communications manager at several Mozambican non-governmental organizations and collaborated with various magazines, newspapers and national and foreign news agencies. He has been an activist and human rights advocate for more than ten years. Aunício holds a degree in International Law from the Catholic University of Mozambique in Nampula.

Ava Thancanamootoo is a humanitarian and archives professional combining 12 years of expertise in related fields with demonstrable interest and experience in human rights work. She is currently based in Mauritius where she works as the Archives officer and is a part-time lecturer at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Previously, Ava worked as the Safe Space Program Specialist at Church World Service in Kenya and as a legal intern at Lawyers for Human Rights in Pretoria. She holds a Master of Laws in International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom. 

Carou Labonne has been an LGBTQ activist for 10 years in Mauritius. As a volunteer, she has helped with organizing the country’s gay pride and is a member of its first LGBT organization, Collectif Arc en Ciel. In 2014, Carou was among the founders of the Young Queer Alliance and was the president for its first year of operation. When she joined Collectif Arc en Ciel she worked as a peer educator, involved in HIV & STI prevention programmes mainly with the men who have sex with men and transgender community. Carou is now a Field Officer, working closely with the LGBT community, making activities to empower the community.

Celine Eises-Watson is a 36-year-old transgender woman born in Okahandja, Namibia. She is an LGBTIQ+ Activist specializing in mental wellness programming, and the founder of the !Norasa //An !Khais (Place of Safety) project that focuses on providing assistance to gender diverse people that are displaced and need a place of shelter. Celine is currently serving on the board of trustees of Wings To Transcend Namibia holding the portfolio of Board Secretary. She is currently working to complete a Diploma in Social Sciences and Counselling at the International Foundation for the Advancement of Reflective Learning and Teaching (ARLT Foundation).

Fungai Machirori is a researcher and media and communications practitioner whose work, thus far, has focused largely on gender and feminism. She has experience in setting up and running non-profit organisations in Zimbabwe and offers invaluable insights around grantmaking and financing activities and operations. 

Jerry Lohloka is the monitoring and evaluation officer at the People’s Matrix Association under its Linkages Project. He spearheads all the Looking In Looking Out (LILO)  initiatives in the ten districts of Lesotho where he directly engages the LGBTIQ+ community. Jerry has planned and implemented several health workshops for men who have sex with men, as well as initiatives to sensitize health care practitioners on LGBTI+ issues in health care centres across Lesotho.

Lee Mpanza has an insatiable thirst for advancing progressive change in South Africa’s society. She has worked at various financial institutions in different capacities and has volunteered as an advocate for LGBTI rights at the Forum for the Empowerment of Women, and worked as a community events organizer at The Equality Project. Lee is one of the founding members of Parents Friends and Families of South African Queers which employs a grassroots, family and community-based approach to addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTI communities. Lee has a degree in Civic Leadership from the University of South Africa.

Nthabiseng Mokoena is a South African black queer intersex feminist and activist who has worked extensively in southern and east Africa on SOGIESC issues and human rights, sexual reproductive health rights and access to healthcare. Nthabiseng is the regional advocacy officer at the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA), having joined ARASA in January 2015 as a regional training and capacity strengthening officer. Before joining ARASA, they were the programmes and staff director at Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA), an NPO advocating for the human rights of black transgender and intersex people in rural areas and townships of South Africa. 

Pearl Magashula is a human rights lawyer who is in the process of completing her Master of Laws in Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa with the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. She is a feminist and an active member of the LGBTI and women’s rights movements in Botswana. She has worked on a range of advocacy campaigns and movement building initiatives at both the local and international level and is an expert in sexual and reproductive rights as well as the international human rights framework. Pearl is a co-founder of the independent collective, Black Queer DocX, and sits on the board of LEGABIBO.

Pierre Buckley is a programme manager at The Global Interfaith Network for people of all SSOGIE (GIN) Secretariat, and a licensed Lay Minister in the Anglican Church of South Africa. Witnessing the effects of HIV and mental health in his immediate family has profoundly influenced Pierre’s desire to work amongst marginalized people. He is an alumni of the Nelson Mandela Washington Fellowship and is currently completing his BA in Communications and Political Sciences. 

Randrianarisoa Riana Raymonde is a Madagascar based independent journalist with 19 years of experiences, who focuses her work on investigative and cross-border journalism since 2009. She is a founding member and the current General Secretary of the Madagascar network of investigative journalists. She is an international consultant and researcher; she collaborates with several international organizations as Transparency International, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. She has a Master’s degree in Communication and Media.  

Sammie Macjessie is a Malawian based LGTBIQ human rights activist, founder and executive director of Ivy Foundation an LBIQ organisation based in Malawi as well as a member of the first Africa intersex forum. Sammie holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality.  

Tshenolo Jennifer Madigele is an ordained minister of the Lutheran Church in Botswana. She successfully studied for Masters of Arts in Theology looking at Christianity and the gay community. She is the first female theologian in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Botswana where she works as a lecturer. She is currently serving as a link between the church and the LGBTIQ community. She has done some studies on theology and human sexuality and published some works looking at heteronormativity and its impact on homosexuality in Botswana.  

Caine Youngman Caine is a human rights activist with 13 years of experience at local, regional and international level. His strengths are in project management, proposal writing, project implementation, public education and research, with particular focus on development, human rights, health and advocacy. He is the advocacy manager at LEGABIBO and holds a Master’s degree in project management.

David Ikpo David was born in Nigeria and now lives in South Africa, where he is studying towards a Doctor of philosophy degree. David is the communications officer at the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression Unit, at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights. His book, Fimí sílẹ̀ Forever, was shortlisted for the LAMBDA award for best gay fiction 2018. David holds a Master of Laws in human rights and democratisation in Africa.

Diana Katu Diana has over 8 years of experience in working and mobilising within the LGBTI movement. She has represented and presented on issues affecting lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women’s especially on national and regional platforms, including experience and knowledge in developing, implementing and managing various campaigns. She resides in Zimbabwe and holds a  Bachelor of Arts in communication science.

Genevieve Louw Genevieve is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and works as the Programmes Manager at GALA (Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action) and also as the co-director of SCOPE. Genevieve has extensive experience in the process of writing proposals and managing projects and is passionate about the value and effect of education, particularly within queer civil society. Genevieve engages in youth development projects regularly.  

Gugu Mandla Based in Johannesburg South Africa, Gugu is the Media and Documentation Officer at Iranti-Org, and has worked within the human rights framework for the past 5 years. Through the Zwakala Project, Gugu has met and engaged with community based organisations and identified a dearth of knowledge in proposal writing and understanding of the funding world.  Gugu holds qualifications in photojournalism and in fashion design.

Jeremiah Lehloka Jeremiah is based in Lesotho and is a member of the Peoples Matrix Association where he has been involved in the planning and implementation of a number of its projects. These include health workshops with men who have sex with men (MSM), and sensitization of health care practitioners on LGBTI+ issues.

Khumbo Soko Khumbo is a Malawian lawyer and holder of a Master of Laws in international economic law. He has worked as a litigation lawyer with Centre for Development of People (CEDEP), Malawi’s leading non-governmental organisation advocating for the rights of sexual minorities in collaboration with the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) and  UNDP. Khumbo was the president of the Malawi Law Society (the national bar association), and now works at Soko and Co. as its managing law consultant.

Liberty Matthyse Liberty is the head of Gender DynamiX, an organization focusing on advancing the human rights of trans and gender diverse people in southern Africa. She has extensive experience in working with funders and developing funding proposals. This experience and insight will ensure that applicants adhere to procedural and substantive requirements, and have content in their applications that speaks to community needs. Liberty holds a Master’s degree in law majoring in transgender human rights in marriage law, women and gender equality, and international human rights law.

Mary Audrey Chard Mary is a long standing member of GALZ, and the current chairperson of RAWO. She has many years of experience in working and being part of organisations that depend on donor funding in order to exist, making her an ideal peer reviewer. Mary is Zimbabwean and lives in Harare.

Matseliso Ntsoelikane Based in Lesotho, Matseliso has substantial experience in contracts and grants management, including grant contract management, grant appraisal and monitoring and evaluation. In her career she has assessed grant proposals, awarded grant contracts and disbursed funds, making her input in this process especially valuable. Matseliso will be putting the grant proposals we have received through their paces.

Motsau Motsau Motsau is based in South Africa and the co-founder of the End Rape Initiative. Motsau has been involved in the kind of activism that is located in the lived reality of our people enabling more concrete action to be taken towards the upholding of the human rights of queer people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, and Lesotho. Motsau is passionate about interrogating the very complex intersections that continue to perpetuate stigma and discrimination of the most marginalised.

Riana Raymonde Randrianarisoa Based in Madagascar, Riana worked for a project led by a global initiative against transnational organised crime in collaboration with Interpol and the Institute of Security Studies. Riana has over 18 years of work experience as a reporter, and holds a Masters degree in economic journalism, and another in communications and media.

Aubrey Chacha Based in Harare, Aubrey is a projects member at Transsmart Zimbabwe and an advocate for trans health and legal rights in Zimbabwe. Aubrey spearheaded the Ethics Project department as a projects manager of ENACTUS Africa University, and was part of the regional YKP Forum organised by SADC. Aubrey holds a Honours degree in Computer Information Systems.

Ava Thancanamootoo Ava is based in Mauritius where she works as the archives officer at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Previously, Ava worked as the safe space program specialist at the World Church Service, and as a legal intern at Lawyers for Human Rights in Pretoria. Ava is the founding member and project manager of Their Rights Foundation, and holds a Master of Laws in International Protection of Human Rights and Personal Freedom.

Caine Youngman Caine is a human rights activist from Botswana, with over 11 years of advocacy and training work experience at local, regional and international level. Currently, Caine works as the Advocacy and Awareness Raising Manager at LEGABIBO, and previously worked at the Botswana Network on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS. Caine is studying towards a Master of Science degree in Project Management.

Ishmael Makhuludzo Ishmael is the founder and executive director of Gender Links Youth Network. Based in Mzuzu, Malawi, Ishmael was a peer reviewer at the Other Foundation’s first peer review process in 2014 and has worked on many projects mainly around advocating for the human rights of LGBTI people. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities.

Jholerina Timbo Jholerina is the founder and executive director of Wings to Transcend Namibia, a trans focused organization, as well a current board member of Out Right Namibia. Based in Windhoek, Jholerina previously worked for the Rainbow Project, and has a background in sexual reproductive health rights. She is also a YALI alumni, where she underwent Civic Leadership training. 

Kumkani Siwisa Based in Johannesburg, Kumkani is a LGBTQ tech and communications activist. They previously held the communications position at Pan Africa ILGA, Gender DynamiX, and has consulted for Sonke Gender Justice, Aids and Rights Alliance of Southern Africa and ASTRAEA. They hold a degree in Communications and Marketing and lead the Communications Advocacy Project.

Luckmore Jalisi Luckmore has over 11 years of experience in youth programming, social movements, activism, LGBTQ rights and fundraising for non-profits. He is a human rights and governance activist currently working for ActionAid as it Youth Programme Advisor for SADC, as well as it global focal person for LGBTQ rights. Luckmore holds a Master’s of Science in International Development.

Nomsa Manzini Based in Johannesburg, Nomsa is an activist with experience in LGBTI organizing and advocacy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Nomsa’s is currently the National Coordinator at Iranti-org, previously having worked at loveLife as its programmes manager. Her extensive skillset includes  targeted training, project management, finance management and monitoring and evaluation.

Onkokame Mosweu Onkokame is an activist from Botswana, with extensive experience in LGBTI programming and organizing. While he is strongly affiliated with LEGABIBO having worked at the organization for two years, his professional network  extends to several LGBTI and other marginalised communities outside Botswana. Presently, Onkokame is the advocacy offcer at Men for Health and Gender Justice.

Ricki Kgositau Residing in Cape Town, Ricki is a well-known independent activist from Botswana, and the current executive director of Gender DynamiX. Ricki sits on the board of Global Advocacy for Trans Equality, as well as  AIDS Accountability International, and is an experienced resource mobiliser. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.

Nandi Msezane Based in Benoni, Sybil has over 15 years of project management and human rights work experience, and serves on the boards of the International Federation for Women Lawyers, and the Dinaledi Mentorship Programme. Sybil is presently employed as the Event Project Manager at Black Tower Consulting Group, and was the programme coordinator for the Collective of African Sexuality Related Rights Advocates based at the Coalition of African Lesbians.

Thobeka Bengu Thobeka is a performance art and human rights activist, performer, choreographer and the artistic director of the Rainbow Theatre Company, a project of the Gay and Lesbian Network. Thobeka is based in Pietermaritzburg and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Performance Studies.

Liesl is the founder and former executive director of Gender Dynamix, which was the first organization in Africa to focus its work exclusively on transgender people. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Liesl initiated a number of projects that contributed to the growth of a transgender movement in South Africa and the region. Her research on transgender issues is widely published in academic journals.

Natasha Francis Natasha is the South Africa programmes manager of Iranti.org. Based in Johannesburg, she previously worked on capacity building and advocacy for groups like the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and on research with organizations like the Institute for Democracy in Africa (IDASA). She also ran a ‘Football 4 Youth’ initiative for the Seriti Institute. Natasha holds a postgraduate qualification in public and development management.

Farisai Gamariel Farisai is the head of the languages department at the Catholic University of Mozambique. She is also a board member of Mozambique’s LGBTI association, LAMBDA, based in Beira. Farisai has for a long time been active in organizing theatre competitions and has been involved in conducting research on the incidence of HIV amongst men who have sex with men.

Trymore Gendi Trymore is a young transwoman based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She is the Harare coordinator of the newly formed trans unit at Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), advocating for transgender and intersex people. She began working at GALZ as a volunteer in 2013, and has been actively involved in the organization’s administrative and programming work.

Nyx McLean Based in Cape Town, Nyx is a doctoral student working on queer identity and Pride in post-apartheid South Africa. A board member of Gender Dynamix, the first transgender organization to be established in Africa, Nyx was also a member of the working group for Johannesburg Peoples’ Pride. Having previously been the national print and digital communications manager of LoveLife in South Africa, Nyx now teaches multimedia studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Thuli Mjwara Thuli is the programmes manager at the Pietermaritzburg Gay and Lesbian Network, of which she was a former board member. She is also actively involved in the Pietermaritzburg Gender Forum and in South Africa’s national task team to combat hate crimes against LGBTI people. Thuli is trained in psychology, business administration, and project management and has a depth of experience in working with marginalized people, including juvenile offenders, people with disabilities, and LGBTI groups – most notably through the Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative.

Lineo Mothopeng Lineo is the community facilitator and LGBTI specialist at Sesotho Media and Development in Lesotho. The first born in a family of four females, two of whom identify as trans men and are known lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) activists in Lesotho, Lineo joined an LGBTI activist grouping in 2008 as a peer educator, quickly becoming the organization’s president until its legal registration. Lineo joined its secretariat as its dialogue and advocacy program manager until earlier this year.

Lame Olebile Based in Tonota near Francistown in Botswana, Lame is an Africa advisor to FRIDA, the international young feminist fund. She is active in LGBTI movements in Botswana and the southern Africa region and is experienced in advocacy including litigation, community mobilisation, and media campaigning, as well as in conducting research, facilitating organizational development, and monitoring and evaluation – especially relating to the feminist movement and LGBTI groups

Majo Joseph

Majo is a married father of two girls. He is an English teacher at a primary school in Chimoio, Mozambique. He also runs a company that provides translation and interpretation services. In addition, he volunteers in the Youth Parliament of Mozambique and is an online accountability advocate with Youth in Action, a network of young people that is promoting greater accountability for the implementation of the post 2015 development goals. Majo shared his thoughts on the difference this peer review process makes in the selection of grants.

Solum Mtogolo

Solum is a human rights activist and a program officer at Malawi’s Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP). His work involves research, education and training, and advocacy to create an enabling environment to end stigma and discrimination, particularly focused on men who have sex with men and LGBT people. He was involved in the production of the publication Queer Malawi, A Collection of LGBT Stories. Solum spoke about his role and the insights gained from participating  in the peer review process.

Humphrey Ndondo

Humphrey is a public health practitioner. He is the Director of the Sexual Rights Centre in Zimbabwe and has been active in a wide range of human rights advocacy efforts for many years. He previously worked as an occupational therapist and a trainer in field epidemiology at the University of Zimbabwe. He is currently doing research on the intersection of religion, culture and human rights for sexual minorities.

Lineo Mothopeng

Lineo is the community facilitator and LGBTI specialist at Sesotho Media and Development in Lesotho. The first born in a family of four females, two of whom identify as trans men and are known lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex [LGBTI] activists in Lesotho, Lineo joined an LGBTI activist grouping in 2008 as a peer educator, quickly becoming the organization’s president until its legal registration. Lineo joined its secretariat as its dialogue and advocacy program manager until earlier this year. Lineo gave advice to prospective grant applicants, on the key ingredients for a succesful grant application.

James Katlego Chibamba

James is an assistant student counselor at the University of South Africa [UNISA]. He founded and is the current president of Gays and Lesbians of Rustenburg [GLOR] in South Africa’s North West province, which does LGBTI psychosocial support, educational and advocacy work. James was also an intern at the Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action [GALA] library and archives at WITS university in Johannesburg. James took a moment to give insight on what makes a good  proposal for a grant.

Thandeka Mukuku

Thandeka is the founder of Thanda Afrika, a LGBTI human rights activism and arts trust. She identifies as a lesbian woman. As a social entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, she provides arts and cultural spaces for people to exist freely without facing harassment, threats, or violence for not fitting into traditional gender categories. Thandeka shared her reflections on the peer review process and her thoughts for the future.

Liesl Theron

Liesl Theron is the founder and a former executive director of Gender Dynamix, which was the first organization in Africa to focus its advocacy and outreach work exclusively on transgender people. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Liesl initiated a number of projects that contributed to the growth of a transgender movement in South Africa and the region. Her research on transgender issues is widely published in academic journals. Liesl shared her thoughts on what makes our grant making so unique.

Dolar Vasani

Born in Uganda, Dolar has worked on international development programs for over 20 years, including at the United Nations, VSO, and Oxfam. Dolar joined Iranti.org in May 2014, supporting the director with organizational and programme development. She is the author of the book, Not Yet Uhuru – lesbian flash erotica. She also works as an independent consultant from Johannesburg.

Dumisani Dube

Dumisani is a Zimbabwean living in South Africa. A former high school teacher in Bulawayo, he is actively involved in religious ministry to LGBTI people in the Catholic church in Johannesburg – mostly those who have moved to Johannesburg from other countries in the region in search of greater social acceptance. He works as a communications and advocacy consultant.

Renald Morris

Renald is a project manager at the Synergos Institute’s Johannesburg office, responsible for a multi-stakeholder network established to improve services to children in South Africa. He previously worked at the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, the Open Society Foundations, and the Community Dispute Resolution Trust. Renald is a board member of Sophiatown Community Psychosocial Services, an inner city agency in downtown Johannesburg that provides counseling and other support services to refugee and other migrant communities in the city.