Devanand Milton (Millie) is the President and a Peer Educator for Guyana Trans United, the only trans-led organization in Guyana and one of the few active organizations in the English-speaking Caribbean. As a TEACH Technical Advisor, Millie is working with MSMGF and IRGT to deliver high-quality trainings to trans-led organizations in her region.
MSMGF: Tell us about yourself.
Millie: I am born Guyanese living in Guyana. I initially lived as a gay man, through education I recognized my true identity as a Trans woman.
I am the President and a Peer Educator for Guyana Trans United (GTU), an organization established and run by trans-identified individuals. This is the only trans-led organization in Guyana and one of few active organisation in the English-speaking Caribbean.
In Guyana I am mainly focus on HIV/STI prevention, management and administration, behavior change interventions, tutoring in life skills and risk reduction, adherence counselling and community outreach to promote a healthy lifestyle. I also work as an HIV case navigator and facilitate monthly support group meetings which I have plenary discussions on challenges faced by my Peers and the wider LGBTI community.
I am Trainer of Trainers with CVCC Sex positive model and TEACH Curriculum.
MSMGF: What attracted you to become a TEACH Technical Advisor?
Millie: I hope to contribute to strengthening the voice and visibility of trans-identified people in Latin America and the Caribbean, both nationally and regionally. I have learned the importance of peer networking and peer learning and have benefited immensely from opportunities to interact with and learn from other activists in the Caribbean and beyond.
I would like to be able to contribute in a similar way to building the capacity of activists and organizations that need this kind of support. I believe that I have a unique perspective and experiences that can be beneficial to other human rights activists, trans-identified individuals.
MSMGF: In your experience, what is the biggest challenge facing trans-led organizations in your country or region?
Millie: Lack of funding that is Trans specific, sustainability and legal framework within which the organisations has to work, bad colonial laws
MSMGF: What are you hoping to achieve at the upcoming TEACH Regional Lab – Latin America and the Caribbean?
Millie:
I will be able to transfer knowledge to other Trans led organisations, while learning from them.
I will be able to assist organisations to develop their SWOT analysis with an outcome to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
I also would want to help organisations to access how connected they are.
Deadline for applications is 10 January 2017