Purple Royale

An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, showing the importance of allyship in ensuring Holistic Inclusion of Trans & Intersex Lives. With voices from Stakeholders in Policy Reform and Community Development. Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The Frida Young Feminist Fund for supporting our programming initiatives.

A Movement Strengthening Dialogue, expressing the need for Mental Health, to increase empowerment and solidarity, amidst, the growing anti-gender movement. Which has been threatening the well-being and existence of Trans & Intersex persons. Born this way. Proven by Science, Biology & Reality. Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund.

The month of March, is special! We get to celebrate International WomXns Month as well as Trans Visibility! We are so excited to publish this empowering Purple Royale Podcast episode, a dialogue discussing the need for improved livelihoods, decent work, equality, equity as well as family support. Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund, The Edwick Foundation, as well as multiple much appreciated stakeholders. Do listen in, enjoy, learn & share. Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!

Given the Executive Orders from the Trump Administration, withholding essential services such as inclusive, non-discriminatory healthcare, the Trans and Intersex community, has been affected as well. Among other key, vulnerable and marginalized communities in various countries, Zimbabwe included. The right to Healthcare, is a basic human right for anyone. Exclusion of key communities from inclusive healthcare, is a violation of this Universal Human Right. Trans & Intersex lives, have been proven by Science & Biology, that we exist. We are important too, just like any Human Being. Listen to 5 Trans & Intersex Community Champions, across 5 Provinces in Zimbabwe, as we narrate how the exclusion of essential healthcare has affected us, at a National, Regional and International scale. Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund.

An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, when it comes to the Safety & Security of Trans & Intersex Lives In Zimbabwe.  Featuring Voices from the Community, as well as, Law Enforcement Officials.  With statistics from the Purple Royale, Safety & Security, Nationwide Research. Special thanks to the Victim Friendly Unit Police Department. For your continued support in addressing safety & security cases, affecting vulnerable communities. The production of this episode, has been supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Feminist Fund.  Listen In & Share: www.anchor.fm/purple-royale Learn more: www.instagram.com/purpleroyaletrust and www.instagram.com/purple_royale_podcast 

What would you do, as a Trans Escort, in the face of danger? This is a real-life experience, by Sandy, a Transwoman In Zimbabwe. Threatened by a client, with Machetes and Fire Arms. Lived to tell the tale, now advocating to End Gender Based Violence & Reduced Livelihoods. Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!  Standing in solidarity, during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund and The Frida Young Feminist Fund for supporting this documented lived reality. 

From the rural parts of Murehwa, Zimbabwe, this is an inspiring story of Tindo, a Transman who overcame a lot. From drug addiction and intense stigma in a rural setup, Tindo narrates how he managed to defy societal expectations and choose to be a better version of himself. Accepting who he is, addressing the mental health challenges he faced, to ultimately beating drug addiction and becoming a top chess player, at a crucial time in his life. The production of this episode has been supported by: Taboom Media, Frida Fund and Nebula Pulsar Fund.

Religion and Culture, plays an important role in influencing mindsets. As a community, we cannot end discrimination towards transgender and intersex persons if we exclude community leaders who play a key role in influencing religion as well as culture. This is a story about Pastor Pugen. A Transperson from Zimbabwe as they narrate how the love and support from the church, enabled them to be a positive influence in the community. A story about how a transperson was welcomed into the community and is making an impact on the importance of unity, love and solidarity as a Pastor in the church. Supported by the Love Alliance Initiative: Building a unifying, strong, Pan-African Movement for Marginalized Communities when accessing Health and Human Rights.

“ I was just a child, I needed the support, I needed to feel loved.”  This is a sentiment, which you will often hear, from many Trans and Intersex Lives. When we talk about improved livelihoods for Trans and Intersex lives, it goes beyond better education or employment. It also encompasses our social life and the importance of a support system. Family, is an important part of that support system.  This October, the Purple Royale Podcast decided to document the lived experience of Loveness, a mother to her trans child, from Mashonaland Province. Loveness has a story that shows the importance of love, unity and accepting each other for who we are. A story that has not only uplifted her family, but also her community. In support of Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement for marginalized communities when accessing health and human rights. Together, in solidarity, for health and human rights! Much gratitude to FRIDA Fund and multiple much appreciated stakeholders for also supporting our work! 

This month, the Purple Royale Podcast decided to document the lived reality of Thembile, a Transgender woman from Matebeleland Province, living with disability and HIV. An emotional story, that highlights the need for ending stigma and discrimination towards any transgender or intersex person. These are voices that are often silenced and we are proud of Thembile for sharing her experience of hope and resilience in the fight against HIV/AIDS, disability as well as discrimination towards one's gender identity or expression. With supporting voices from National AIDS Council and fellow community members. This initiative is further supported by Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement that promotes access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people most marginalized and affected by HIV. Together for Health and Human Rights.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT BUILDING IN ADDRESSING SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Purple Royale Podcast decided to document our lived experiences as a Key Populations movement when it comes to safety and security. From the recommendations highlighted in the Purple Royale Nationwide Safety and Security research available here http://eepurl.com/iUzaA2 , movement building and strengthening is important.  Standing up together, as civil society organizations and marginalized communities to address the safety and security intersectional issues that affect us. In this regard, this episode on the Purple Royale Podcast features not only trans voices but voices from other civil society organizations who serve communities most marginalized. Special mention to Transsmart Trust and Chisungo Trust. This initiative is further supported by Love Alliance, a partnership to build a unifying, strong pan-African movement that promotes access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for people most marginalized and affected by HIV. Together, for health and human rights!

This July, listen to a documented lived experience of Taboka, a transperson who narrates a cyber bullying incident experienced. Launched together with the first ever Purple Royale Nationwide Research on Safety and Security for Trans and Intersex persons in Zimbabwe. Much gratitude to FRIDA Fund for supporting this work. Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!

This June, in honor of Pride Month, Tulani, a non- binary transperson from Matebeleland Province shares their story of coming out stronger after facing adversity in person and online. An inspirational real life experience that shows the importance of leading with pride, claiming our space and being ourselves despite adversity. Supported by the FRIDA Young Feminist Fund and multiple much appreciated stakeholders.

This May, join us as we celebrate being Trans, African & Supported! An episode that shares our lived realities with voices from our Mothers who are a key pillar of support in the fight for inclusion. In honor of Mother's Day, IDAHOBIT & Africa Day. Supported by The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & multiple, much appreciated stakeholders.

This April, as Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified joins the World in honoring World Health Day, we document a lived experience on Mental Health. The story of Frazer, a transperson from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as they narrate on the after care support they received after a sexual assault experience. Supported by the Frida Young Feminist Fund.

This March as we join the world in celebrating International WomXns Month, Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified, decided to shed light on the importance of leaving no one behind, especially Trans and Intersex WomXn. This is a story about Miracle, a transwoman from Mashonaland Province, Zimbabwe, sharing her reality on equality and equity for transwomen. Particularly in this age with digital systems and the call for holistic inclusion across all sectors. Supported by the Frida Young Feminist Fund and multiple, much appreciated stakeholders.

This February, as we join others in commemorating Black History Month, Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified, decided to shed light on the importance of leaving no one behind, especially Black Trans and Intersex Lives. This is a story about Challe, a transwoman from Matebeleland Province Zimbabwe, sharing her journey of resilience and triumph, whilst addressing the need for safety and security. Supported by the Frida Young Feminist Fund and multiple, much appreciated stakeholders. Indeed, Black Trans and Intersex Lives Matter too.

What would you do, as a young trans feminist in the event of backlash and potential hate crime, because you made the bold decision to use your voice and advocacy skills as a content creator and social media influencer? This is the story of Nkosiyabo, a beautiful trans feminist from Hwange, Zimbabwe who is also a social media influencer and activist. Narrating her journey, how she started, how she grew her followers and ensured transpersons are seen as valuable as anyone but as with any advocacy, faced backlash from naysayers who wanted to derail her progress. A story of bravery, resilience and the need to stop cyber bullying. Supported by The Frida Young Feminist Fund. To learn more about Nkosiyabo and be entertained, educated as well as inspired by her work, visit: @its_nikozie on Instagram, @NkosiyaboMagagula on Facebook, @Nikozie on YouTube and @its_nikozie on TikTok. Full episode of her documented lived reality available now on www.anchor.fm/purple-royale . Brought to you by Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!

A journey towards Youth Empowerment. The inspiring story of Effline, a Transwoman from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe who grew up in a strict religious setting that tried to deny her, her existence. Fought through the cracks and eventually came out stronger as a respected, self-employed Private Chef in her community. Valued by her family, respected by her customers and proving that indeed Trans and gender diverse persons are valuable human beings in society too. This episode was proudly supported by The Netherlands Embassy in Zimbabwe, FRIDA Young Feminist Fund, LOVE ALLIANCE through ARASA and the ACCEPT Consortium which Purple Royale is a part of among other stakeholders that include Transsmart Trust, Chisungo Trust and Health Foundation Trust. As well as much appreciated stakeholders who continue to support and cross share our advocacy work. Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified appreciates you.

In November, the African Union decided to commemorate the youth through recognition and empowerment. Purple Royale supports this inclusive initiative by documenting Derline's lived experience, the experience of a transwoman's journey towards a better, empowered life. Derline narrates her experience navigating the stigma she faced from family and the general community, she narrates how starting her own business helped to empower her, resulting in the community and even her family respecting her as a breadwinner and valuable voice for the transgender community that is often discriminated. We would like to thank FRIDA Fund, The Netherlands Embassy in Zimbabwe and Love Alliance for supporting the production of this documented lived reality.

Intimate Partner Violence is often ignored and difficult for outsiders to detect. It comes in many forms, emotional, physical and even psychological. Here is Tafadzwa, a transperson from Kadoma, Zimbabwe sharing their story on surviving Intimate Partner Violence and coming out stronger. This documented reality is in support of ending Gender Based Violence of any forms. Supported by FRIDA Fund, The Netherlands Embassy in Zimbabwe as well as Love Alliance.

Activists are an important part in advocacy. They are the voice of the often neglected. However, with activism comes the danger of burn out. How do we address it? How do we support activists and ensure that their mental health and lives are not neglected? Tinny, a Gender non-conforming trans activist unpacks their experience and more. An enlightening episode that also ensures movement building as well as strengthening whilst addressing one of the most talked about topics, Mental Health. This episode was made possible with support from The Netherlands Embassy in Zimbabwe, FRIDA Fund, ARASA and much appreciated stakeholders.

In this episode, Purple Royale documents the lived experience of Richard, a Transman from Harare, Zimbabwe who was discriminated at a job interview because of his gender identity and expression. This evidence based reality highlights the struggles Trans and Intersex persons experience when seeking employment. Let's end the stigma, decent work and improved livelihoods is a basic human right for all. Much appreciation to FRIDA Fund and ARASA for supporting the production of this reality and advocacy campaign.

Gender Based Violence comes in many forms. Sometimes from our partners & at times from stakeholders in the community. Here is a lived reality of a Transman from Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. Narrating his experience getting blackmails and threats from a local journalist because of his gender identity and expression. This episode is in support of ending Gender Based Violence expressed in all forms especially towards marginalized communities. An initiative also supported by Love Alliance under ARASA. Purple Royale is contributing in advocacy as a member of the ACCEPT Consortium in Zimbabwe.

After enduring decades of stigma and abuse from her father, Austin, a transwoman from the ghetto streets in Harare tells a compelling experience of how a near death experience forced her to leave home in search for a safer environment. This episode is in honor of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Intersexphobia IDAHOBIT commemorated on May 17. Thank you to FRIDA Fund ,PEPFAR Zimbabwe, The Other Foundation, Transsmart Trust and The Edwick Foundation for the continued support in documenting this lived reality.

A touching story of a non binary trans person from Masvingo in Zimbabwe who experienced employee harassments, indecent assault, public humiliation and unethical working conditions because of their Gender identity. This perpetrated by the employer and community, listen to the story to find out more. In support of International Labor Day, Purple Royale decided to document a lived reality advocating for non-discriminatory and better working conditions for Trans and Intersex persons in Zimbabwe.

Being born Trans and living with disability is not easy. Worse when you receive limited support for education, essentials and the love of a family. However, all this did not stop Donnaey from going after his dreams. With remarkable tenacity, this hustler in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe continues to defy the odds. Showing that disability nor your gender identity can never pull you down. Supported by FRIDA FUND, PEPFAR ZIMBABWE and THE OTHER FOUNDATION. In celebration of Trans Day of Visibility 31 March 2023.

Trans and Intersex persons continue to be at high risk of HIV and worse AIDS. Stigma, discrimination, conversion therapy as well as reduced livelihoods remain some of the contributing factors. Lack of information on HIV prevention & treatment being another. However, even with the availability of HIV services in local clinics, sensitization of health care providers & policy makers is still much needed. We have to scale up our sensitization efforts and this documented lived reality is an example. Evidence based, first hand from the actual Transperson affected. Scaling up sensitization as well as friendly laws and policies will create safe, friendly healthcare facilities as well as an environment that will ultimately encourage uptake of services by the Trans & Intersex community. The programming for this advocacy initiative was supported by PEPFAR Zimbabwe, The Other Foundation & FRIDA Fund. Much thanks to all stakeholders as well as allies who continue this fight to end AIDS with us. Much thanks to the Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe, National AIDS Council and the Global Fund for recognizing the Transgender & Intersex community as one of the populations needing support in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

In the fight against HIV and ending AIDS which most trans & intersex persons continue to be at risk, Purple Royale decided to feature a special episode. A motivational poem by one of our own, Ammartia. A powerful orator with the natural gift of composing poems and art that inspires multitudes. Here is one of their finest poems, advocating for Adherence, Treatment and Prevention of HIV, new infections as well as ultimately ending AIDS. This masterpiece will also be featured in our upcoming documented experience: A lived reality of a transperson who contracted HIV & continues to not only survive but thrive through adherence to treatment.

In this Episode, we gave Tee. a Gender Non Conforming Trans person the opportunity to own their narrative and share their lived reality. Growing up trans to supportive parents then reality struck upon their passing, discriminated by other relatives and communities in a rural setup with little to no means of assistance, ultimately forced to become homeless and live on the streets of Zvishavane town. This story is indeed emotional but there is a silver lining. Amidst the chaos, Tee managed to find a helper, a supportive friend who came through for Tee, during a life or death situation, also a young person living on the streets. Much thanks to The Other Foundation, FRIDA Fund & PEPFAR Zimbabwe for supporting the production of this episode. To learn more, visit our social media page on www.instagram.com/purple_royale_podcast. Purple Royale: Trans Voices in Zimbabwe, Amplified!

What would you do if you were stigmatized and abandoned by the only father figure you knew? Forced fo drop out of school but still managed to do something worthwhile with your life? To a point of becoming the family's breadwinner? Listen to Tinashe as they narrate their experience as a transperson living in Zimbabwe turning lemons into lemonade amidst the storm of it all. THE PRODUCTION OF THIS EPISODE WAS SUPPORTED BY THE OTHER FOUNDATION, FRIDA FUND & PEPFAR ZIMBABWE.

Listen to Theo, a transwoman from Zimbabwe as she narrates her experience being subjected to conversion therapy in form of physical and sexual assault by her co-workers and roommates. A horrific incident of a survivor. Much thanks to Frida Fund, Pepfar Zimbabwe and The Other Foundation for supporting the production of this episode.

What would you do, if you wanted your body to affirm to your gender? If you wanted to get inclusive healthcare that enables you to fit into society, get security and just feel complete as a person but fail to find nor access such healthcare services in your country? The country you were born and bred in, the country you want to feel like you belong and are included just like any valuable citizen? This is the purpose of this episode. An elaborate discussion among Trans and Intersex communities in Zimbabwe as we discuss our experiences trying to access Gender Affirming Care in Zimbabwe. Much thanks to The Other Foundation for supporting the production of this episode. Listen in and share.

Listen in as we take you through Beyoncé Zee Savage's journey. Being a transwoman in Zimbabwe, the stigma and public assault she experienced to ultimately trying to become whole thereby seeking Gender Affirming Healthcare, at a time where it is difficult to access if not non-existent in Zimbabwe. The production of this episode was supported by The Other Foundation.

What a time to be alive! Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility in Zimbabwe. Indeed we have come a long way and this is us taking you through lived experiences of the Trans community in Zimbabwe. Answering this important question: What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to us , to our families, to our allies, to our country and the International community. Find out this and more, listen in and share. Much thanks to The Other Foundation for supporting the production of this episode. #TDOV2022

From being disowned by family to trying to fit in where you barely exist, what does it mean when we talk about improved livelihoods for the Trans community in Zimbabwe? Catch us in this dialogue episode, as we discuss all things family, acceptance, livelihoods and even policy change.

Breakthroughs happen everyday and for the Trans community, we too have our good days. In this Episode, we take you through a journey of self acceptance and inclusion. From finding love, becoming a valued citizen and managing to build a family despite the challenges we have faced as trans and intersex persons. This is us, celebrating our success stories. Listen to the episode to find out exactly what it means to be Trans or gender diverse and grateful.

The lived life story of Breeze, a fellow transman who was from Kadoma, Zimbabwe. Touching but thought provoking. Coincidentally on Trans Day of Remembrance 2021. We shall never forget. Special thanks to everyone who contributed towards the production of this episode. The Other Foundation for funding our production costs, supporting this much needed initiative and Transsmart Trust, Children's Radio Foundation and The Edwick Foundation for supporting our cause. if you are an NGO, Corporate or Philanthropist interested in supporting this cause, feel free to contact the Purple Royale Podcast on our Instagram page or email our production team at purpleroyalepodcast@gmail.com We would love to hear from you and don't forget to share this episode. You could save a life.

An International Women's day edition, by Transsmart Trust and Purple Royale Podcast. Discussing diverse women in leadership and what makes us different yet a force to be reckoned with, from growing up in a patriachal society to taking up space claiming our human right to inclusion, this and more is discussed. Unpacked by Gumisayi, Bree, Daniella, Paida and Ruvimbo, 5 dynamic ladies, one heated discussion, let's dive into it, shall we?

What would you do if the police gate crashed your social event, causing havoc, arresting you because of your Gender identity or orientation? This is what happened to Spransa and her friends at an LGBTI party. Listen in & share.

This is a story about Bree, a transwoman who was unlawfully assaulted by an immigration officer at Harare International Airport. All because of her gender identity and the need for legal gender recognition in Zimbabwe. The story unpacks the importance of acknowledging human rights for all as per the United Nations Agenda 2030, leaving no one behind. An agenda which Zimbabwe, one of the member states in the UN also agreed to uphold. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

Meet Mabholo, a transman from Kadoma, Zimbabwe as he narrates his unforgettable experience in prison. The hate crime, the stigma, thw bullying but amidst all of that finding someone who accepted and loved him as he is.

Meet Paris, a Transwoman from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as she narrates a horrific incident where she was assaulted on her birthday and abandoned at a graveyard. Luckily she lived to tell the tale.

Meet Ras, #RasThatGuy as he narrates an unforgettable experience seeking a healthcare treatment in Zimbabwe as a transman.

This commentary is from Bree, a business woman from Harare, Zimbabwe as she narrates her experience during the corona virus pandemic as a transwoman. Particularly how the lockdown is affecting healthcare, the economy and normal life.

Listen to Mabholo, a transman from Kadoma, Zimbabwe narrating his experience in the era of Covid19. Hupenyu uhwuinguva yeCovid19 (Life in the era of Covid19) Being a man proud of his african roots, this narration is in the Zimbabwean vernacular language , shona. Feel the emotion and listen to first hand experience living in Rural Zimbabwe during this corona virus global pandemic.

A commentary from Ethey, a transwoman from Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Narrating her experience during the Covid19 experience, her worries and hopes for the future.

Lets talk about love, dating and heartbreaks as a transperson or ally in Zimbabwe. Quite an interesting topic.

Welcome to our first ever episode on the Purple Royale Podcast, a podcast that addresses issues and stories affecting Transgender lives in Zimbabwe. In this episode we are going back to the basics: 1. What does it mean to be transgender 2. Why is it important to learn more about transgender lives in your community. 3. What issues do transgender lives experience 4. How do you understand a transgender person better as a family member, an academic, a health specialist, a policy maker, an employer, employee or business partner and last but not least ,any member of the community In this episode we have : - An interview with two transgender persons, a transman and a transwoman. - Audio diaries of transgender persons in Zimbabwe sharing their life experiences and heartfelt stories - A dialogue among a transwoman, transman, a parent, health care specialist and an ally of the trans community in Zimbabwe. Definitely worth listening to!