Addressing the dynamic needs of LGBTQ+ people

As 2025 comes to a close, LGBTQIA+ communities in Tanzania continue to live under a deeply hostile social and legal environment. Criminalization, stigma, and widespread misinformation restrict freedom of expression and limit access to safe, supportive spaces. Many individuals face isolation, fear, and silence simply for being who they are.

Despite these challenges, the Addressing the Dynamic Needs of LGBTQIA+ People in Tanzania project continued into its third year, working steadily to promote understanding, dignity, and empowerment. With the support of GlobalGiving donors, the project delivered targeted activities that responded to community needs while prioritizing safety in a high-risk context.

Financial Snapshot (2025)

In 2025, the project raised a total of USD 2,900 through combined online and offline contributions. These funds were primarily allocated to capacity-building trainings, facilitation costs, and awareness activities implemented during the year.

While this support enabled meaningful engagement and impact, the level of funding was modest compared to the scale of need. As a result, activities were carefully prioritized to reach those most accessible while maintaining participant safety. Increased funding would allow the project to expand its reach and respond more fully to the growing needs of LGBTQIA+ people across Tanzania.

Project Focus in 2025

In its third year, the project concentrated on:

1. Capacity-building trainings for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

2. Awareness-raising and dialogue sessions to counter misinformation and stigma.

3. Promoting psychosocial resilience and empowerment within communities.

All activities were implemented with safety and confidentiality in mind, given the high-risk context for participants.

2025 Activities and Impact

1. Capacity-Building Trainings

Key outputs (2025):

• Number of training  conducted: 6

• Number of LGBTQIA+ participants trained: 66

• Number of allies trained: 33

Impact narrative:
Trainings strengthened participants’ understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, challenged harmful stereotypes, and fostered supportive networks. LGBTQIA+ participants reported increased confidence, improved coping strategies, and stronger capacity to engage positively in their families and communities. Allies demonstrated greater awareness and commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.

2. Awareness and Dialogue Sessions

Key outputs (2025):

• Number of dialogue/awareness sessions held: 3

• Number of advocacy materials shared: 200 copies

• Estimated audience reached: 300

Impact narrative:
Facilitated discussions and targeted messaging created rare opportunities for respectful dialogue on LGBTQIA+ issues. Participants reported heightened empathy and understanding. While societal change is gradual, these sessions planted seeds of acceptance within communities.

3. Psychosocial Resilience and Empowerment

Observed outcomes (2025):

• Participants reporting increased self-confidence: 52

• Participants reporting reduced feelings of isolation: 60

Impact narrative:
Participation helped reduce feelings of invisibility and isolation. Safe, affirming engagement fostered resilience and strengthened participants’ ability to navigate challenging social environments.

Protecting Participant Safety

Given the hostile legal and social climate, we do not share photos or identifiable information about beneficiaries. This ensures participants’ protection from potential legal consequences, social persecution, or violence, demonstrating our commitment to confidentiality and dignity.

Challenges in 2025

• Legal and social restrictions limited public visibility of activities.

• Participant fear sometimes constrained engagement in community outreach.

• Limited funding meant we could only implement a portion of the activities that are needed to fully support the community.

• Maintaining trust required continuous adaptation and careful facilitation.

Despite these challenges, the project successfully delivered impactful training, awareness, and empowerment activities throughout 2025.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the project will:

• Expand and refine training programs based on participant feedback.

• Strengthen dialogue and awareness initiatives in safe, controlled environments.

• Support ongoing psychosocial resilience and empowerment within communities.

The need within Tanzania remains substantial. Continued support is essential to ensure that more LGBTQIA+ individuals have access to safe spaces, education, and empowerment—even amidst ongoing societal and legal challenges.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the project aims to expand training reach, deepen awareness initiatives, and strengthen empowerment outcomes—subject to available resources. The need remains substantial, and additional funding would allow the project to reach more individuals and sustain long-term impact.

Gratitude and Call for Continued Support

We extend our sincere gratitude to all GlobalGiving donors and supporters. Your generosity made it possible to continue this work in 2025, even with limited resources, and to support LGBTQIA+ people in one of the most challenging environments.

We invite you to continue standing with us. Every additional contribution strengthens safe engagement, education, and resilience-building efforts—helping ensure dignity, understanding, and hope for LGBTQIA+ communities in Tanzania.

Together, meaningful change is possible.