Since 2021, the Trans Safety Emergency Fund has been working towards better livelihood for Trans people in extreme need. We started this fund without previous knowledge but with the willingness to dedicate our time and efforts to this cause. Highly because we are people directly affected by the issues that emerge from transphobia in our society, but specially because we knew we were affected in a different proportion, and that we could extend a hand to our Trans siblings.
We grew and evolved so much in those 3 years, as people and as activists, and it has been an honor for us to carry such a project. And just like any other organism or organization, the process of growth includes changes and we have quite a few taking effect this summer.
First, as a small shift, I, Renan Carvalho, have stepped down from the executive board, but as a co-founder, I could not let go of a project so close to my heart, so I will continue to be the one behind most of the texts published by the TSEF as I will remain in my position as Head of Communication. Besides, I am also the project manager of the first TSEF book, Trans on Trans, and will hopefully be able to manage other projects as beautiful and as important as the book.
As a bigger shift, our beloved co-founder and first President of the TSEF, Ivy Monteiro, has also stepped down from the executive board. We are incredibly thankful for Monteiro’s leadership and guidance during those years, and we truly believe and admire her vision. For that reason, Monteiro will continue advising the executive board as a leading member of the newly formed mentoring board, which will include other Trans activists as overlookers and advisors for the executive board.
Naturally, as Monteiro steps down, Sun Niederer, another co-founder and former vice-president, will step into a co-presidency alongside a new member of our executive board, Deven Lawrence. Lawrence is a black Trans man enthusiastic about makeup, involved in the ballroom community and engaged towards putting his life experience to the benefit of others through his knowledge and access.
Also joining the executive board as Head of Finance is Geneviève Büss, an aspiring scientist currently doing their PhD in sustainable finance at the Vienna Graduate School of Finance and a Trans non-binary person very dedicated to supporting their community.
Last, but certainly not least, we welcome Micheline Bader in our fundraising position, and we are more than sure she will enrich our team with her experience in NGO fundraising for causes that are very important to society but do not receive the attention they need.
Some of those shifts and changes have already taken place since our last newsletter and some will in the next months, but certainly those will not be the last as we hope to continue growing for as long as we are needed. That is to say that we wish the TSEF did not need to exist because our society, in an ideal world, would not marginalize Trans people only based on their identity. However, while we are here, we are very thankful for your support and collaboration on this journey.
Hopefully soon, we ALL will be able to celebrate Pride.
Sincerely,
Trans Safety Emergency Fund’s New Team