Dear Friends,
We are excited to share some important updates about Global Action for Trans* Equality with you. As we previously announced, Justus Eisfeld recently left GATE to pursue other opportunities. Given Justus’ tremendous contribution to GATE’s work, his departure undoubtedly represents a political and institutional challenge for us. However, this transition also presents an opportune moment for building a renovated and stronger version of GATE.
Since we formed the organization in 2009, GATE has played a key role in introducing trans* issues at the international level, promoting meaningful trans* involvement in international processes, advocating for the expansion of available funds to support trans* activism, and producing and sharing critical knowledge on trans* issues.
Now it’s time for GATE’s own transition process.
Over the following year, we’ll be building GATE into a bigger and more diverse organization. After six years as a fiscally sponsored project of the Astraea Foundation, GATE will become an independent, trans*-led organization by the end of 2015 and will expand its global programs. This is an exciting time of change and growth for us.
Mauro Cabral will continue to serve as Co-Director and will focus on leading and expanding GATE’s programs and advocacy. In addition, we have recruited Masen Davis as Interim Co-Director to help with the transition process. A trans activist for more than fifteen years, Masen has been part of the GATE family since its inception and brings strong nonprofit management, advocacy, and fundraising expertise to the organization. Masen recently stepped down as Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center, which grew to become a $2.1 million organization under his leadership. He will focus on GATE’s organizational development, including operations and fundraising.
In the coming months, we look forward to bringing on additional staff, expanding the Board of Directors, and unveiling a new strategic plan. Please let us know if you have questions or comments about this process. We appreciate your support!
In solidarity,
Tamara Adrian, President, Board of Directors
Mauro Cabral, Co-Director, Programs & Advocacy
A Letter from Justus
Dear friends,
When Mauro Cabral and I developed the idea for GATE – Global Action for Trans* Equality in 2009 neither of us could imagine what the organization has become since then.
It all started with a dream – to take our experience working at the regional levels in Europe and in Latin America and use that knowledge to further trans* rights at the global level, while creating a trans*-led organization to do so.
The past six years have been quite a ride: exciting, stressful, annoying, successful, and lots and lots of hours on planes. I have had the incredible fortune to meet trans* activists on every continent (except Antarctica), build networks and relationships with amazing people and see this movement explode into full bloom.
GATE has accomplished a lot since its inception: the WHO is considering to remove gender identity disorder from the list of mental diseases – something that was virtually unthinkable when we started, and with more advocacy may become a reality in coming years. And just a couple of weeks ago we co-hosted a meeting of trans* activists and funders to discuss the creation of an International Trans* Fund to bring more money to trans* movements worldwide. Around us we have seen regional trans* networks start, flourish and come into their own. Trans* groups working at the national and local levels have increased their staffing, have won important battles and have learned from their experiences and mistakes. Our movements are more diverse and inclusive due to a collective and intentional effort to oppose all kinds of oppression.
I feel now is a good moment for me to take a step back, enjoy the successes and let somebody else take GATE to the next level. I have therefore decided to leave GATE in the capable hands of its co-director, Mauro Cabral, by June 30th, 2015. Mauro and the board of directors have decided to engage an interim director to help through this transition process and will make an announcement soon.
What my future holds is not certain yet – other than a long break during the New ork summer with lots of time to recharge, think and let the mind wander. Leaving GATE without a clear idea for my future is exciting and scary – but I trust that I will land on my feet and be able to contribute to social justice movements in one way or another in the future.
Justus Eisfeld
New York, June 8, 2015