Guyana Transgender United (GTU) was formed in April 2012 by transgender persons and is managed by a board of trustees.
GTU is a human rights focus organization that seek to address issues that affect transgenders in Guyana. GTU is a membership driven organization which comprising of approximately 170 transgender persons and 120 supporters coming from various NGOs. Some of the key focus areas of GTU are: HIV/AIDS prevention and reduction, peer counseling, substance abuse, mental health support, referrals into health and welfare services legal navigation for Transgenders.
GTU mission position the organization to empower transgender and by extension members of the wider LGBTI communities to advocate for their rights and participate as citizens in decisions which affect their lives.
GTU through its mandate provides a safe and secure space, that is conducive to every person within the key population with the freedom of gender expression, learning and information sharing
Over the years the Organization have responded to the needs of the local Trans/Key Population persons, particularly those who are in need of financial, social, family and medical Support.
Through these experience GTU had witnessed isolation and grave deprivation of social support and the exclusion of financial resources and, this has made GTU’s enforce its mandate to empower its membership through capacity building.
GTU is utilizing its ability to mobilize its peers, utilize the skills earned through previous programs but failed to address the needs and views of the local Trans/Key Population persons as unique individuals.
This has catapult GTU’s desire to take better care of the physical, emotional, social and economic well-being of local Trans/Key Population persons.
Thus, HIV/AIDS along with bad laws, will certainly seem as a hindrance to making further achievements in the future.