Gender DynamiX and more than 20 of its stakeholders took Kalk Bay by storm when they gathered for a 4 day strategic planning workshop. History was made when, for the first time ever, such a diverse group of transgender people in South Africa came together to brainstorm, strategize and plan around the future activities of Gender DynamiX.

People attended from Kwa Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northern Province and the Western Cape. Some had the opportunity to meet other like minded persons for the first time in their lives. The strategic planning also served as a motivational experience.

“Being in Gender DynamiX is the most wonderful thing in my life. Going to Cape Town, having to meet all those wonderful and exciting people, it was really great. All the time we spend in workshops was all about wanting to improve Gender DynamiX. Everyone who participated had an amazing response. I had the greatest time and opportunity of my life. It was just positive!” – was the overwhelmed words from Tebogo Nkoana a transman from Soshanguve who attended. 

Two grants, one from the Multi Agency Grant Initiative (MAGI) the other from Astraea Foundation helped Gender DynamiX get this leadership development process off the ground. Sixteen Transgender people from across the country and the Management committee of GDX teamed up to workshop the future of Transgender issues in South Africa. This enabled Gender DynamiX to have a true reflection of South African Trans issues through the participants.

“The task of mobilizing such a marginalized community has seemed so overwhelming to me until now. This workshop and the spirit of it’s participants has inspired me and made the road ahead of us seem like something we can achieve.” Says Robert A. Hamblin well know artist and transman from Gauteng.

The Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action, previously known as the Gay and Lesbian Archives (GALA) was also invited to record the full four days on video. This was truly a historic event on the South African transgender calendar.

For more information and pictures contact Robert Hamblin on 082 226-4683 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

---