Seen but Not Safe: The Double-Edged Sword of Trans Visibility in Namibia

We are often told that LGBTIQ+ visibility is essential for driving change. But for the trans community, visibility has frequently led to heightened vulnerability—sometimes with devastating consequences, writes Ziggy Porsche Eixas from Namibia.

The Cost of Trans Visibility

For trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary people, visibility is not a choice but a necessity—one that affirms our existence in a world that constantly seeks to erase us.

Whether through hostile laws, oppressive policies, or deep-seated societal prejudices, our right to live authentically is under continuous attack. But while visibility is empowering, it also exposes us to danger, forcing us to navigate a world where simply existing can be a risk.

Transphobia: A Global Crisis

The reality of transphobic violence is not confined to a single country or continent. Even in so-called progressive nations like the United States, the statistics on violence against trans people are staggering.

If trans individuals face such hostility in well-resourced democracies, what does that say about the dangers faced in regions where legal protections are nonexistent?

In my country of Namibia, a wave of queerphobia in 2024 resulted in the brutal murders of Queen Uwuseb, 35, and Charmy Fredricks, 30, and the horrific assault on another transgender woman who was left for dead, all in the in the Windhoek area.

The Role of State and Religion in Trans Oppression

One of the biggest threats to trans safety is state-sanctioned transphobia. Politicians wield their influence to attack queer communities, using hate speech in parliaments, presidential offices, and public forums.

In many places, legal frameworks either criminalise trans identities or fail to offer any protection, leaving people at the mercy of public opinion and elite-driven discrimination. In Namibia, for instance, the absence of explicit legal protections places trans people in an uncertain and perilous position.

Religion, another powerful force, has long been used to justify transphobia. Framed as a guardian of morality, religious institutions have historically fuelled discrimination and violence, making trans individuals even more vulnerable to marginalisation and harm.

Economic Disempowerment and Social Isolation

The economic reality for many trans people is bleak. Employment discrimination forces many into poverty, leaving them with no option but to live in unsafe environments. Brihanna, a transgender woman from Goreangab, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek, describes the impossible choice she faces daily:

“I live in Goreangab because, as a transgender woman, I cannot afford to live anywhere else. What is safety for me if I do not have a job to afford it?”

Without financial independence, trans and non-binary individuals are pushed into survival sex work, a common yet perilous reality. The stigma attached to both their gender identity and their profession compounds their vulnerability, increasing the risk of exploitation and violence.

Everyday Harassment: A Constant Threat

For many trans people, simply walking down the street is a terrifying ordeal. Catcalling, verbal abuse, and even physical violence are daily occurrences. Hero, a non-binary individual who recently moved to Goreangab, recalls how their flamboyant appearance made them a target:

“The street is full of people who have nothing to do with their lives—just sitting, smoking, and drinking. They would shout insults at me as if my existence was a personal affront to them.”

The harassment escalated when a group of young men began blocking the entrance to Hero’s street, forcing them to take a longer, isolated route home. When Hero finally resisted, the situation worsened:

“At first, I was petrified, but I knew I had done nothing wrong. I tolerated it for months, but when they started throwing stones at me, I went to the police. Filing a complaint finally stopped the harassment, but homophobia never really leaves you in peace.”

Sometimes, the police themselves are the perpetrators: In 2021, a Namibian transgender woman, Mercedez von Cloete, won her long court battle against the Minister of Safety and Security after she was unlawfully arrested and assaulted by a police officer outside a fast-food restaurant in Windhoek.

Beyond the physical dangers, transphobia exacts a brutal mental and emotional toll. The persistent discrimination, exclusion, and fear of violence lead to severe mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The constant fight for dignity and safety is exhausting and often leaves trans individuals in a perpetual state of distress.

A Call for Empathy and Justice

Trans lives should not be defined by suffering. The world must move beyond passive tolerance and actively advocate for gender justice. This means creating laws that explicitly protect trans people, fostering inclusive societies, and dismantling the systems that enable violence and discrimination.

Trans visibility should not equal vulnerability—it should be a celebration of existence, not a sentence to suffer. Until that becomes a reality, the fight for trans rights remains urgent and non-negotiable.

 

Article by Ziggy Porsche #Eixas, a trans-identifying activist from Windhoek, Namibia who volunteers as a psychosocial support counsellor at Lifeline/Childline Namibia. They recently founded a CSO called EquiMind Namibia with a mandate to offer robust and comprehensive mental health support to the gender and sexual minorities.

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This article was made possible with the support of the Other Foundation. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Other Foundation. www.theotherfoundation.org.

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