PrEP is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV, yet many people still have questions about what it is, who it is for, and how it fits into their lives. Can you take PrEP if you are on gender-affirming hormone therapy? Does it have side effects? And why do so many transgender and gender-diverse people still face barriers to accessing it?We consulted the IPPF International Medical Advisory Panel to answer some of the most common questions we have received from the community about PrEP, from how it works and who can benefit from it, to the realities of navigating HIV prevention, healthcare systems, and gender-affirming care. Whether you're considering PrEP yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious, here's what you need to know.What is PrEP? PrEP refers to the use of antiretroviral medication by people not infected with HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV (1). PrEP is used during periods when individuals believe they are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. There are different delivery methods and regimens, with new methods also in development. Currently available options include an oral pill, a vaginal ring, and long-acting injectables. Who should use PrEP? PrEP is appropriate for anyone who perceives themselves to be vulnerable to HIV and wishes to reduce their risk of HIV infection through use of medications (1). Are there side effects to PrEP? Like all medications, PrEP may be associated with side effects in some people. The most common side effects are temporary, and can include nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, headache, feeling dizzy or weak, and trouble sleeping. Side effects from injections can include bruising, pain or small nodules at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare. Does PrEP interfere with gender-affirming hormone therapy? No. PrEP does not lower hormone levels in transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse people (TGD) on gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) (2). PrEP has been shown to be effective and safe in TGD people and should be provided to high-risk individuals regardless of gender affirming hormone use. There are no measurable differences in hormone levels in blood between PrEP users and non-users who are on GAHT (3). However, blood concentrations of PrEP drugs in transgender women were lower than expected, although at levels unlikely to interfere with their antiviral effect to prevent HIV acquisition (4). Are there sexual side effects to PrEP or gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender women? PrEP is a medication that reduces the ability of the HIV virus to infect human immune cells; it does not impact the sexual functioning of human sex organs. GAHT for transgender women, however, decreases penile erection function, libido and ejaculatory volume. Discussion of these effects should be an integral part of the informed consent process and shared decision-making at the time of initiating GAHT. If these particular effects are unwanted, there are various strategies that can be used for those who wish to fully maintain penile sexual function, including the use of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) to facilitate erections, masturbation/sexual activity to maintain tissue perfusion, lowering antiandrogen doses when feminising goals are met and targeting testosterone levels slightly higher than cisfemale range (either through lower GAHT doses or addition of low-dose add-back testosterone therapy) (5). What are the barriers to using PrEP? Access to healthcare is critical for successful PrEP implementation. Although higher-income regions have had more successful implementation and awareness raising campaigns to date, many low-middle income countries are accelerating access. While PrEP is an important part of HIV preventive care services, studies show transgender women use less preventive care due to multiple factors, including limited access to healthcare, lack of insurance coverage for PrEP and gender-affirming care and medications, and fear of discrimination and stigma by healthcare providers (6). References IMAP statement on biomedical HIV prevention. IPPF, 2023 IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention | IPPF, accessed March 2026. Senneker T. Drug-Drug Interactions Between Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Antiretrovirals for Treatment/ Prevention of HIV. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2024;90:2366–2382. Grant RM, Pellegrini M, Defechereux PA, Anderson PL, Yu M, Glidden DV, O’Neal J, Yager J, Bhasin S, Sevelius J, Deutsch MB. Sex Hormone Therapy and Tenofovir Diphosphate Concentration in Dried Blood Spots: Primary Results of the Interactions Between Antiretrovirals And Transgender Hormones Study. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Oct 5;73(7):e2117-e2123. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1160. PMID: 32766890; PMCID: PMC8492111. Hiransuthikul A, Janamnuaysook R, Himmad K, et al. Drug drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy and preexposure prophylaxis among transgender women: the iFACT study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22(7): e25338. DOI: 10. 1002/jia2.25338. Sehgal I. Review of adult gender transition medications: mechanisms, efficacy measures, and pharmacogenomic considerations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jul 4;14:1184024. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184024. Teng F, Sha Y, Fletcher LM, Welsch M, Burns P, Tang W. Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review. Int J STD AIDS. 2023 Apr;34(5):299-314. doi: 10.1177/09564624231152781. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36793197.

(Geneva, 7 July 2025) - The Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the only human rights expert within the United Nations system that is specifically dedicated to addressing violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) and gender diverse persons.Following a campaign by 1,259 non-governmental organisations from 157 States and territories, the UN human rights body adopted the resolution by a vote of 29 in favour, with 15 voting against and 3 abstaining. Thanks to this vote, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating discrimination and violence against everyone, reminding all States of their obligations towards people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.The Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) will now be able to continue the work for three more years. The mandate is currently held by South African scholar Graeme Reid."IPPF warmly welcome the renewal of the UN Independent Expert on SOGI. This role is vital at a time when LGBTQI+ communities around the world are facing growing attacks on their rights and freedoms. As one of the world’s largest providers of sexual and reproductive health services to marginalized communities, we know that bodily autonomy and access to care cannot be taken for granted. We look forward to continuing the work alongside the Independent Expert to ensure that LGBTQI+ people everywhere can live with dignity, make informed choices about their bodies, and access the care they need without fear, violence or discrimination." - Micah Grzywnowicz, Regional Director of IPPF European NetworkCreated in 2016, and renewed in 2019 and 2022, the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI has been supported by a growing number of States from all regions. The current resolution to renew the mandate was presented by a Core Group of six Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Uruguay -  and was co-sponsored by 50 countries from all regions. The Independent Expert is tasked with assessing the implementation of international human rights law, investigating violence and discrimination against LGBT and gender diverse persons, and helping States, UN agencies, other mandates and bodies in the international and regional systems to address them. Since the post was established, three successive mandate holders have conducted official visits to 11 countries, produced 17 reports documenting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity - including the impact of the criminalisation of same-sex relations between consenting adults, the need to legally recognise a person’s gender, and the situation of LGBT persons who are forcibly displaced, among others - and sent communications documenting allegations of human rights violations to 171 States across all regions.Having secured a renewal for three more years, this mandate will now continue to support initiatives ensuring that LGBT and gender diverse people can live free of discrimination in countries around the world, and to amplify their voices and testimonies in international human rights fora. Civil society worldwide urges all governments to cooperate fully with the Independent Expert in this important work to bring about a world free from violence and discrimination for everyone.

Events will happen in countries worldwide under the theme “The power of communities”Access data about the legal situation for LGBTI people: globally | in your country/jurisdictionGeneva (Switzerland), 12 May 2025 - Numerous initiatives are taking place worldwide in May to celebrate sexual and gender diversities as part of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). It is expected that events in more than 60 countries and territories worldwide will be registered on the may17.org website.Celebrated annually on May 17, the day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.Since its inception in 2004, the IDAHOBIT has served as a vital platform to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. The past year in LGBTQIA+ people’s rights: glimmers of hope amidst a wave of setbacksDespite significant progress, data from the ILGA World Database indicates that LGBTQIA+ people continue to face challenges in accessing their basic rights. 64 UN member States continue to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts. At least 61 countries have restrictions on freedom of expression related to sexual and gender diversity issues. While laws protecting individuals from hate crimes based on sexual orientation exist in 63 UN member States, only 41 do so based on gender identity, 11 on gender expression, and 8 on sex characteristics.The last few months, in particular, have been riddled with alarming, escalating threats to the lives and dignity of for LGBTQIA+ people. Organisations worldwide have been forced to close operations due to the aid freeze and funding cuts. Mali criminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts for the first time, and Trinidad and Tobago reversed its decriminalisation ruling. In the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court has restricted the definition of “woman” for the Equality Act. Hungary has amended its Constitution to ban LGBTQIA+ gatherings, claim that "a human is either male or female”, and remove protections on gender identity. Across the United States, bills and executive orders contribute to making life impossible for trans and intersex people under the false pretense of “defending women” but actually failing to do so. In Argentina, the government has amended the National Gender Identity Law by executive order, prohibiting access to gender affirming care for persons under the age of 18. In Peru, the National Congress passed a law that establishes a prison sentence for ‘anyone who exposes youth to content on sexual diversity’. Across the world, LGBTQIA+ communities - and especially women, trans, and intersex folks among them -  are facing an unprecedented wave of attacks by anti-gender and anti-rights movements. Some political actors are complicit - stripping and depriving people of their agency over their bodies, identities, and loves. and legislating them out of public life, out of healthcare, and out of recognition altogether. Across the world, social justice movements continue to call out this backsliding, which is increasingly undermining democracy as a whole.Even amid these severe crises, however, progress is still happening - often as a result of the power of communities coming together, organising, resisting, holding each other through all the hardships and brutal repression, and creating positive change. During the last year, Dominica and Namibia decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts. Marriage equality became a reality in Thailand and Liechtenstein. The last-standing “LGBT-free zone” in Poland finally fell. To date, 17 UN member States have implemented bans on so-called 'conversion therapies' at the national level, while 9 have introduced nationwide restrictions on unnecessary interventions for intersex youth. Additionally, 18 UN member States allow for legal gender recognition without restrictive preconditions at the national level, and 37 have legalised marriage equality. IDAHOBIT 2025: The power of communitiesAmidst progress and pushback, this year’s IDAHOBIT is more important than ever. Its theme, “The power of communities”, highlights the vital role that connection, solidarity, and shared purpose play in driving change — both for individuals and diverse social justice movements. It also celebrates the ongoing efforts of LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders, organisations and community members, as well as feminist, sexual and reproductive health rights and more allies, towards a more just world for everyone.IDAHOBIT is a vital day to share information about the discrimination, violence, and exclusion LGBTQIA+ people face, and how communities are working to overcome it. Everyone must get involved in building a more equal and just world for everyone.We invite everyone to act. Visibility isn’t enough. Rights are being taken away, and silence is complicity. This IDAHOBIT,  stand with LGBTQIA+ communities. Speak out, show up, and fight back.For more information, resources, and tips on how to celebrate the day, please visit may17.org.** ENDSMedia contacts:Lukas Berredo, IDAHOBIT coordinator consultant: contact@may17orgDaniele Paletta, Communications Manager at ILGA World: [email protected]

The new President of the United States is now unveiling his plan to dismantle progress and implement a violent and discriminatory society, all of which have been designed to reverse human rights wins. Between 20 and 29 January, 2025, Donald Trump announced a series of presidential actions, aimed at scaling up attacks toward every individual's right to decide over their own body, identity, and life. The plan of the Trump administration was detailed in the "Project 2025": A society where women lose their rights and freedoms and are reduced to reproductive and domestic labour; A society where the existence of trans and intersex individuals is denied, and their rights are trampled upon; A society where lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are forbidden from the choice to have a family - or not - and live freely in their emotional, sexual and relational lives. We have learnt from years of denouncing and refusing the conditions of the Global Gag Rule, that executive orders expand over political cycles, and we can’t rely on a change in government to wind back the clock. The introduction of the Foreign Aid Executive Order, the Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government, and the Reevaluating And Realigning United States Foreign Aid reveal a new level of complexity designed to chill the funding landscape and promote violence against those most discriminated and marginalized. This vision, driven by far-right ideologies, will accelerate gender-based, sexual, and LGBTQI+phobic violence, result in more deaths and restrict long taken for granted human rights. This deadly project is not unique to the American far-right. We see it spreading across the world. We have seen both right-wing and left-wing governments gradually incorporating far-right narratives by denying the rights of trans individuals, migrants, and women. A culture of fear and silence has translated into collusion and complicity. We will stand up and speak out for sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice for ALL.  Trans people, women, refugees, and migrants are not the threat. Two consecutive administrations who militarised aid and development followed by the Trump Administrations attacks on identity make the US political establishment the real threat to global peace and progress.  Let’s cut through the rhetoric and name the Trump Administration's actions for what they are: Attacking the rights of trans and intersex individuals is attacking women’s rights. Deporting migrants leads to misery and death for at risk or targeted populations. Forcibly transferring incarcerated trans women to men’s prisons amounts to risking their lives Cutting funding to the World Health Organization, UNFPA and others makes us vulnerable to pandemics, and cuts off healthcare to everyone, including Americans. Blocking funding for sexual and reproductive health organizations increases the amount of abortions, but makes them less safe, resulting in pregnant people dying. Denying trans adolescents access to healthcare leaves children to suffer, more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. Increasing militarization and occupation results in more attacks against health care workers and the destruction of service sites makes progress impossible. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement contributes to an increase in natural disasters and humanitarian crises, where most unsafe abortions happen.  The far-right’s program leads to the death of women, LGBTQI+ individuals, migrants, the poor, and other oppressed groups. To combat this destructive societal vision, our organizations call for the unity of progressive movements: We urge governments to stop enabling anti-rights narratives: let women, trans, intersex and non-binary individuals, and migrants live with dignity. Respect our human rights. Defend our human rights. Condemn governments that attack us. We welcome political and climate refugees. We call on feminist organizations, defenders of sexual rights, LGBTQI+ advocates, environmentalists, and ALL human rights defenders: build bridges between our struggles. Keep showing up as part of the wider liberation struggle. To organizations with privileged access to places of power like us: use this privilege to amplify the struggles of those absent from the negotiation table. Elevate the voice of the people who are directly targeted. To keep fighting for the end of colonisation and occupation. We speak out against the militarization of our health service scopes, and the killing of health care workers and patients.  Finally, to individuals and activists who follow us, who defend our causes, who demonstrate, share our messages on social media, and support us financially: thank you. You are not alone. Join us. Let’s come together and fight back and win.

Since his inauguration, Donald Trump has conducted a vicious and calculated assault on trans and nonbinary people. Whilst not yet concluded, his attacks include a suite of executive actions designed to humiliate, demonise and erase trans and non-binary people from public life, and include the targeting of children and young people. Some of the actions include the denial of gender-affirming care for minors and the denial of comprehensive sex and relationships education for students. This will increase the rate of violence against, and suicide in young people, and is nothing short of an act of state violence. “Trans children and young people deserve safety, access to the same standard of care afforded to their peers, and adults around them who have their best interest at heart listening to their needs," said Micah Grzywnowicz, Regional Director, IPPF European Network. "No young person, regardless of who they are, should be used as a pawn in a political game. The consequences of this Executive Order will be devastating and long-lasting. For many, access to gender affirming care is a lifeline - we will soon see increasing risks of mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and in the worst-case scenario, suicidal tendencies. This must be taken off the books - immediately,” The attacks against children and young people are linked to a full-scale ideological war against all LGBTQI people denying them access to health care and meaningful employment. The anti-gender executive action positions women as needing protection - not from the Trump Administration - but from trans people; and the dog whistling against sexually and gender diverse military personnel is not only bizarre, but signals a new era of toxic masculinity in an increasingly militarised world. Shifting the narrative from marginalization to outright criminalization is dangerous. It is extremist. It is inhumane. The Trump administration’s rollback of HIV/AIDS funding and potential cuts to PEPFAR will have devastating consequences — especially for transgender people, some of whom are engaged in sex work due to systemic discrimination. These cuts will directly impact access to life-saving medication, prevention programs, and healthcare. LGBTQI+ people rely on access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, the reinstatement of the global gag rule and the new foreign aid executive action further denies health care to LGBTQI+ people. By stripping away these vital services, Trump is jeopardising years of global health progress. And it is not just happening in the United States. Across the world, IPPF and its Member Associations are mobilized to expose these strategies used by political parties and governments spreading trans and homophobic ideologies. Many far-right governments use the same playbook—using transphobia as a political weapon to divide the women’s movement, and putting at risk years of child protection efforts designed to safeguard children from harm: in the house, by the church and from the state. As part of the women’s movement we resist the patriarchy, we stand with lesbian, gay, queer, trans and non-binary people who are part of our movement.  We are family. We will fight for the rights of our children and young people in all their beautiful diversity. We stand with trans and non-binary people everywhere.   For more information on gender-affirming care, read our IMAP Statement here: IMAP Statement on Hormone Therapy for Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons | IPPF  You can also read our blog on Self-care tips for when you are receiving gender-affirming healthcare here: Self-care tips for when you are receiving gender-affirming healthcare | IPPF 

Fighting for sexual rights is, at its core, a fight to uphold and protect democracy. Attacks on sexual rights are a clear indication that democracy is fragile and under threat.  The year 2024 highlighted the entwined relationship between democracy and the fight for human rights. Over those twelve months, an exceptional number of citizens around the world have gone to the polls to elect their leaders. At first glance, one might be tempted to view this as a victory for democracy—a sign that many countries have granted their people the right to vote.   However, according to CNN, over 30% of elections have been held by undemocratic regimes.   Unequal access to this fundamental civic right across nations highlights the deliberate manipulation of votes to silence certain populations. The results of these numerous elections highlight a troubling trend: the steady rise of far-right movements advancing anti-democratic and criminal agendas.  Reclaiming the word "criminal"  to refer to the far-right  The opposition criminalises our rights, our bodies, and our lives. They define us as criminals, while the only criminals are those who prevent individuals from having control over their bodies and their lives. Those who promote violence and discrimination to establish a social norm that deliberately excludes groups of people.   Let us weigh up our words carefully, and as we close the year 2024, collectively remind ourselves that the only criminals are the actors of the far-right.  The word "criminal" epitomizes the far-right governments’ systematic attacks on women's rights, particularly through restricting access to safe and legal abortion. They have been condemning women to clandestinity and the risks of hemorrhage and death. Women's lives are of far less value to them than those of men and their authoritarian ideas.   In Poland, where the far-right's move to restrict access to abortion in 2021, serves as a grim example. Every time a woman dies as a result of a clandestine abortion caused by this oppressive legislation, our Member Association in Poland, Women's Strike, and the entire feminist movement are both deeply moved and outraged. Meanwhile, those responsible for these anti-choice laws turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the consequences.  Using the legal system to silence activists is nothing new—yet it is another stark reminder that attacks on women's rights often herald a broader assault on democratic principles: justice, freedom of the press, and the fundamental rights of all.  But their cowardice does not end there. They also seek to suppress the wave of revolt sparked by our movement. In 2024, three prominent leaders of Women's Strike faced court trials for organizing protests in support of abortion rights back in 2020, when the abortion ban was first announced.     The agenda of the rise of the far-right across the world is also criminal in its systematic attack on communities In 2024, these governments continued to use their legal frameworks to criminalise sex work and arrest and to terrorize sex workers around the world. Georgina Orellano, sex worker and activist, was arrested in Argentina as part of a repressive operation and faced police violence while media stayed silence.   Faced with this situation, feminist movements must be more brave and even more vocal in supporting and defending the rights of sex workers. Decriminalization must be our first step by 2025.   The same goes for associations of women drug users, who are often marginalized and excluded. In our intersectional movement, we must remember that our struggles will not be waged without women drug users. Their voices must be heard. And their criminalization and incarceration are not, and never will be, a solution to building a healthy society.  When the far right relies on exclusion to build its project for society, our duty is to build solidarity and inclusion in our struggles. The battle will not be won alone.   A criminal agenda manifested in the far right's systematic efforts to harm, criminalize, and stigmatize LGBTQI+ people worldwide, particularly targeting trans individuals. In 2024, the violence persisted, with continued murders of LGBTQI+ people. Uganda passed its anti-homosexuality law while simultaneously restricting associative freedoms— another clear demonstration that attacks on LGBTQI+ rights are closely linked to broader assaults on democracy. Collaboration among feminist, SRHR, and LGBTQI+ organizations is crucial in combating the systemic oppression faced by LGBTQI+ communities.  The far-right, if alone and isolated, would not be able to carry out so many criminal acts It is acting with the support of wealthy individuals, notably in Russia and the USA, who are funding this project to destroy democracy and the rights of all, in service of the power gain of a few.  The far-right operates with the unconditional backing of religious groups that fundraise, finance, craft hate messages and spreads them using neo-colonial and racist methods.  The far-right is able to act with impunity thanks to the silent complicity of certain governments, media, and influential figures. By de-demonizing the far-right, allowing parts of the press to be bought and run by far-right figures, by prioritizing the voices of certain nations, and by turning a blind eye, they enable the far right to advance its agenda.  The horror that Palestinians have been enduring since October 2023 is the result of the actions of the far-right Israeli government and the complicity of international powers that have remained silently complicit, allowing the genocide of Palestinians to continue for over a year.  2024 also witnessed the spread of the conflict in Lebanon, where our Lebanese Member Association paid a heavy price. Our clinics in Beqaa were burnt and destroyed. The thousands of people we treated found themselves without access to healthcare. Our employees feared for their lives and those of their loved ones. We salute their courage in continuing to work under these conditions to deliver access to sexual and reproductive health services for the inhabitants. The ceasefire we called for is a relief, but it will not erase the ravages of the Israeli bombardment on our clinics and the trauma of our staff and volunteers.  These humanitarian crises are not inevitable. They are human made. And it is up to world leaders to put an end to them.  Our humanitarian work in Sudan continues as we enter the second year of civil war. The international community and mainstream media are not listening to the voices of Sudanese women. Our Sudanese Member Association, with unmatched courage and determination, continues to raise awareness about the ongoing use of rape as a weapon of war by militias. Yet, there remains silence and inaction on the international stage. In countries under terrorist and authoritarian regimes, women are silenced by violent men in power. Since November 2024, Afghan women have been prohibited from speaking in public. Despite this hostile environment, our Afghan Member Association remains committed to providing care and creating spaces for those denied a voice.  In the face of the far-right, authoritarian regimes and conservative organizations, our feminist movement defending sexual rights for all stands strong through its actions and solidarity.  In 2024, even in hostile contexts, we achieved victories across continents    In Europe, progress has been made on abortion rights: France enshrined it in its constitution on March 8, and Denmark and Norway expanded access. These victories were made possible through the tireless work of our member organizations alongside their allies. Belgium made history by changing labor laws to recognize sex workers' rights and provide them with social protections.  In Africa, Tanzania authorized mifepristone, thus enabling access to medical abortion. Namibia’s High Court declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. Eswatini became the first country in the world to provide access to the dapivirine vaginal ring, the first women-controlled HIV prevention product.  In Asia, Thailand became the first country in South Asia to legalize marriage for all. Japan changed the course of its history by declaring practices under the now-defunct eugenics law unconstitutional and ordering the government to pay damages to survivors of forced sterilizations.  In the Americas and the Caribbean, the Green Wave continues to win. In Mexico, Jalisco became the 13th state to decriminalize abortion. In the United States, seven states voted to protect the right to abortion.  The year 2024 has taught us that in the face of hostility, our movement can and did win battles. Our strength lies in the solidarity we build with neighboring movements of our struggles. It is together, with civil society, allies, and donors, that we have achieved each of these victories. Let’s come together to win. 

IPPF is concerned by the grave implications that a second Trump Presidency poses to health and human rights in the U.S. and across the world.

NEWS ALERT: In an emergency meeting held this weekend, the ILGA World Board unanimously decided to remove a bid from The Aguda, a member organisation based in Israel who proposed to host their next World Conference in Tel Aviv. This means the bid will not go forward, nor put to a vote at the upcoming World Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. At its meeting, the ILGA World Board also decided to suspend the organisation from their membership, as their current actions could violate the ILGA World Constitution.  In recognition of the historical experience with apartheid and colonialism in South Africa and their unequivocal solidarity for the Palestinian people, ILGA World apologised for the anger and harm this bid caused at a time whilst a plausible genocide is taking place. Through Kalavai, a truly intersectional, cross movement partnership, ILGA World is a critical partner of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. We recognise that our future requires solidarity and moral courage. With the defunding of grass roots organisations, and mounting pressure on organisations to turn the other way, to collude in silence; IPPF acknowledges the leadership of ILGA World – and many others, including most recently members of the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy. We stand in solidarity. We stand against reproductive and sexual violence. We stand against genocide and the deliberate destruction of international humanitarian law. We call on sister organisations to keep speaking, to tell the truth, to ensure our movement stands the test of time. We stand in solidarity with girls and women in all their diversity, with LGBTQ people, with our sisters in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, the DRC, Sudan, Myanmar and elsewhere. We demand sexual and reproductive rights for ALL.

This is the story of a young teenage boy who would walk the streets of Nairobi on a Sunday afternoon, hoping to find someone with whom he could connect. Someone who would understand the kind of touch he needed and who would allow him to be seen as a lover and not as an abomination, curse, or illness.   It's also a story of discovering a home, a home that embodies wholeness, love, compassion, dreams, authenticity, vulnerability, fun, creativity, and bravery. My name is Kevin Mwachiro. I am a Kenyan writer, podcaster, journalist and LGBTQI activist. I am that teenage boy, and I'm a proudly African. My Africa is a place of immense beauty, but it can also be dangerous for those who dare to be themselves. I chose to live my truth after being almost forced out of the closet in 2001 after I got caught kissing a guy. I had always known that I was attracted to other guys and acted on that feeling the first time when I was 16. That moment of freedom and pleasure was immediately followed by shame and guilt and hiding for over a decade. It was a struggle with self-hate, masturbation and low self-esteem. Post 2001, I was forced to look at myself in the mirror and finally admit that I was gay and for the next few years, I straddled the fence torn between desire and dogma. That period was confusing, exciting, lonely, and precarious. I say precarious because it involved having sex in risky places and with total strangers and, at times, the oddest time of the day. However, it has been here within the bosom of Mama Africa that I have fully come out into my queerness. It has been a journey with numerous therapy sessions, self-acceptance and forgiveness, and finally, finding a community of Kenya and African LGBTQI folk that I started fully embracing myself.

As we observe World Contraception Day, it’s essential to recognize that contraception is not just a concern for cisgender people. For many trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals, access to contraception is a critical aspect of sexual and reproductive health. However, the healthcare system often overlooks or inadequately serves trans people when it comes to contraception. This blog highlights the reasons why trans people need access to contraception and the importance of developing trans-friendly healthcare services. Why Trans People Use Contraception Contraception is relevant to many trans people, regardless of their transition status or identity. For trans men who have sex with cis men, contraception may be necessary to prevent pregnancy, even if they are on testosterone. While testosterone can reduce the likelihood of ovulation, it does not entirely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. Additionally, some trans men use hormonal contraception to stop menstruation, which can help align their physical experience with their gender identity. For trans women, while pregnancy prevention may not be a direct concern, contraception can still play a significant role. Some trans women in sexual relationships with cis women may use contraceptive pills or other methods to help prevent unintended pregnancies for their female partners. Additionally, trans women may use contraception to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or to manage hormone levels in ways that complement their gender-affirming treatments. In short, contraception plays a role beyond pregnancy prevention—it is an important part of broader sexual and reproductive health for all trans people.