“ 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. Fami…

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 pro…

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 , mov…

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 …

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 FRID…

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 trans…

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, whil…

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…

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 c…

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 th…

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 V…

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 enlighteni…

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 i…

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 Gende…

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 IDA…

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 Royal…

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…

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 healt…

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 Adher…

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 h…

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 ami…

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…

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 …

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 commun…

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 sto…

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…

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…

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 th…

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 liv…