“We Will Be Recognized”: Shaia’s Advocacy for Transgender Refugees in Kenya

Pictured: Shaia setting a table at Freedom House Initiative, 2025. Photo by Peter Irungu.

Shaia, a 28-year-old transgender woman originally from Uganda, stays busy these days as the Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Trans Advocacy Organization Africa (TAO). TAO is a trans-led, community-based organization dedicated to supporting trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons. 

"One of our main objectives is to support trans refugees who are homeless. We offer housing to our people as they face transphobia. Some are being evicted from their houses and need a place to reset," she shared. 

"We also partner with other organizations to offer psychosocial support and mental health services. So many of our community members have faced violence in the past and cannot cope with the trauma." 

Her work as the Communications and Advocacy Officer at TAO is nothing new to Shaia. She has been an activist on social media for several years. In Uganda, Shaia experienced violence and harassment after her activism became known in her community. 

After being forced to flee Uganda in 2024, Shaia faced immediate challenges upon arriving in Kenya. 

"I did not know Swahili. I didn't have any connections. I had no money — I had nothing on me, just a bag of clothes and my documents," she remembered. 

Shaia stayed with an individual for the first few weeks in Kenya. When that situation became unsafe, she moved into an LGBTIQ refugee safe house operated by Freedom House Initiative (FHI). ORAM supports FHI's safe house through its short-term housing program, made possible by Airbnb.org. 

"It's a big program that has helped so many people...thank you so much for what you've done for us," Shaia said. 

From there, Shaia began rebuilding. 

Pictured: Shaia at Freedhom House Initiative, 2025. Photo by Peter Irungu.

She first connected with TAO as a beneficiary. Over time, she stepped into a leadership role, using her voice and experience to support others navigating displacement. 

"I handle communications. I do advocacy. I speak for our people," she said. "This is something I'm passionate about." 

At TAO, Shaia has seen firsthand how community-led support can change lives. "People connect with people like them," she explained. "When someone comes to us, they feel understood. They feel safe." 

For Shaia, this work is deeply personal. "I've seen what our people go through," she said. "That's why I do this." 

As Transgender Day of Visibility approaches, Shaia reflects on what visibility means in her context. "I wish I could run with my flag and tell the world that I'm transgender and proud," she said. "But where we live, it's not always safe." 

Instead, she sees visibility as something we all can do — easy and just as powerful. 

“For me, it’s about conversations,” she explained. “If you can talk to one person, and they understand, that’s a win. Every heart changed matters.” 

Shaia also carries a message for other transgender people navigating displacement and uncertainty.

“You are worth it,” she said. “You are worth the struggle. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but one day we will be recognized.” 

"Never give up. Embrace who you are." 

She also hopes people around the world better understand the realities transgender refugees face in Kenya — and how even small acts of support can make a difference. 

"It takes little to survive," she said. "Reach out. Even a message can give someone hope." 

Today, Shaia continues her work — advocating, organizing, and building community alongside other transgender refugees in Kenya. 

Her journey is still unfolding. But through her work and her voice, she is helping create space for others to live openly and with dignity.  

Click here to learn more about TAO and support their programs supporting TGNC refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons in Kenya.