Since 2019, about 450 trans people in Namibia have been homeless as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. Some have lost their jobs and many continue to be severely impacted as their families don’t accept their identities.
Like in other countries, LGBT+ people in Namibia have been badly affected by the COVID19 pandemic. Many trans people in Namibia have been rejected by their families, causing them to remain without housing. To make matters worse, trans people are stigmatized by society and discriminated against in health settings.
In October 2021, we recorded that about 100 trans individuals were experiencing homelessness almost daily as a result of family rejection coupled with unemployment.
Transgender people in Namibia face harassment and discrimination by officials for “immoral
practices” or through the use of loitering laws.
Despite Section 40 of the National Health Act stating that every person in Namibia has access to a State hospital or a State health service, trans people face stigma and discrimination at the hands of medical practitioners and staff when they try to access health services.
With few options available to access gender-affirming health services in state health facilities, trans sexual health and reproductive rights in Namibia are endangered. This has led to an increase in the number of people who have contracted HIV, and those who are already on treatment are at risk of easily giving up on treatment when they don’t find welcoming and affirming health spaces.
Campaigning for the recognition of trans people in Namibia is urgent as this recognition will help restore equality, justice, hope, love, peace and freedom for trans people. It will enable trans people to live well and thrive.
Please sign our petition to campaign for trans equality.
