My name is Andrea Minaj Casablanca. I am a 25 year-old transgender woman living with HIV and I am also living with other health challenges. I am a human rights defender and activist. I advocate for the transgender community, who are also living with HIV and face the challenge of securing stable housing and employment.
I am the Executive Director of Initiative for Caring for Sexually Active Adolescents Foundation. This organization is inclusive and affirming and provides quality healthcare for all sexually active adolescents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
My journey from childhood to becoming the woman I am today, a trans woman in Uganda, has been long and incredibly challenging. It's not been easy. I've faced immense hardship, including arrests, attacks, discrimination, and the denial of basic healthcare. The trauma from these experiences runs deep, and overcoming it is a constant process.
Yet, despite everything, I stand here today with a smile on my face. This smile is a testament to my resilience, my strength, and my unwavering spirit. It's a symbol of hope, not just for me, but for anyone navigating a difficult path. I am so grateful to be able to find joy and authenticity, even in the face of such adversity. This is me, strong and smiling.
Raising in Power for Trans Visibility
This organization advocates for LGBTQIA+ health rights and comprehensive healthcare services and community healthcare engagement in empowering trans communities and persons affected by HIV, TB, and malaria.
Objective #1
To promote health education and awareness about HIV, TB and malaria so that we can end HIV by 2030.
Objective #2
Providing comprehensive healthcare services through HIV preventions and treatment so that we can end HIV for vulnerable trans persons by 2030.
Objective #3
Provide hormone therapy to vulnerable trans communities living with HIV/AIDS.
Objective #4
Increase and enhance community engagement and participation in the trans community.
Objective #5
Providing economic empowerment to those living with HIV so that they can live a sustainable life.
OUR PURPOSE
Because the Trump Administration has cut funding for the relief and well-being of persons living with HIV and other health challenges:
1. Monies raised will be used for housing, transportation, medical care, food and essential supplies, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals and the necessary hygiene products for persons living with HIV, TB, and malaria.
Yearly Housing Cost for 5 women
$ 1000 USD
Medical Care (HIV treatment, hormones, malaria tablets, TB treatment, HIV testing and educational materials
$2500 USD
Nutritious Food
$500 USD
Office Equipment (office equipment, i.e., tables, chairs, copier and bedding)
$750 USD
Transportation
$250 USD
Total
$5000 USD
2. To obtain a laptop to maintain secure records of services provided to our clients. Also, office equipment, i.e., tables, chairs, and a copier which will increase the work of the organization.
You have not lived today until you have...
PROMOTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY & ELIMINATING FOOD INSECURITY FOR QUEER, NON-BINARY & TRANS COMMUNITIES
POULTRY PROJECT
Item Quantity / Description Unit Cost (UGX) Total (UGX) Justification
1. Chicken House Structure Local materials (wood, iron sheets, nails, wire mesh) 600,000 Basic shelter for 50–75 birds
2. Day-old Chicks 75 chicks 1500 225,000 Considering a reliable hatchery
3. Feeds Starter, Grower, Finisher (total ) 75,000 Covers 3-4 weeks feeding
4. Feeders & Drinkers 5 feeders, 5 drinkers 10,000 50,000 Reusable for future cycles
5. Vaccination & Medicines NDV, Gumboro, dewormers, etc. 125,000 Prevents disease outbreaks
6. Charcoal, Wood Shavings, & Sawdust For litter and heat 125,000 Keep chicks warm & dry
7. Water Tank or Jerrycans For storing clean water 150,000 Can be used for future cycles
9.Contingency Transport, repairs, unexpected costs 150,000 Emergencies
Total USD $575 2,125,000 Ugx
We are setting up this small-scale broiler chicken enterprise, designed to generate income through the rearing and sale of poultry. The profit earned from this initiative will go directly towards supporting our shelter that provides safety, dignity, and basic needs for Trans women. In a country where resources for marginalized communities are scarce and safety is never guaranteed.
THE BELIEVE CENTER FOR CHANGE
(Left to Right) Board Member Julius Julicie Ssentume, Ex Officio Board Member Alecia Walker, The Rev. Dr. D. Amina B. Butts, Founder and Executive Director of the Believe Center for Change and The Rev. Dr. Sindile Dlamini Mathebula, Vice-President Emeritus, The Believe Center for Change.
MISSION
"So we built the wall, and all [of it] was joined together to half its height, for the people had a heart and mind to work." Nehemiah 4:5-7 (NIV).
THE BELIEVE CENTER FOR CHANGE is a faith-based organization. Since 2014, and then reorganized in 2020, we are led by the Rev. Dr. D. Amina B. Butts and a Board of Directors. We support the empowerment of women and girls, trans women, as well as those of the LGBTQIA+ and non-binary, and gender nonconforming community and we are providing educational, wellness, mental health and spiritual support services to these populations around the globe. We are addressing food insecurity, inadequate housing, and the elimination of health disparities. We also aim to encourage and foster financial independence with sustainable collaboratives and individuals.
The Rev. Dr. D. Amina B. Butts is the Founder and Director of the Believe Center for Change. A spiritual leader, visionary, teacher, preacher, organizer and human rights activist, advocate for marginalized, dispossessed women, queer, trans and gender non-conforming persons around the globe.
Mr. Julius Julicie Ssentume, Executive Board Member and Director of New Hope 4 Children, Masaka, Uganda. newhope-4-children.org. In addition, Mr. Ssentume is a gifted performing artist and dancer.
The Rev. Dr. Sindile Dlamini Mathebula, PhD, Vice-President Emeritus, has provided spiritual vision and support since 2014. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Mathebula is a trauma specialist and former research scholar and Hospital Chaplain at Howard University University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Pastor Leslie "Isai" Oliver, Sanctuary Outreach Ministries, Charlotte, NC.
Executive Board Member. Pastor Isai hails from 4 generations of preachers and worship leaders. Born in Newark, N.J. she received an M.Div in Pastoral Care from Union Presbyterian Seminary.
MENTAL HEALTH
Neurographic Art is a meditative and intuitive form of art therapy developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev in 2014. The process encourages mindfulness, self-expression, and can be beneficial for reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
Pastor "Isai" conducted a virtual Neurographic Art workshop for persons living around the globe. Powerful!
Dr. Charneta C. Scott, Licensed Psychologist, Executive Board Member
Dr. Scott, is a Supervisory Clinical Psychologist at the Department of Behavioral Health in Washington, D.C. A child psychologist by training, she received degrees from Howard University and the University of Florida. Dr. Scott says, "I have a passion to see children get their needs met. The reason I went into the profession is that I don't want children to feel like they are all alone."
Bishop Yao Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, Founder, Us Helping Us, Inc. Founder and Pastor Emeritus, Inner Light Ministries UCC is an Advisory Board Member. Bishop Cheeks is passionate about spiritual growth and development. He is the director of the National Spiritual Science Center in Washington, D.C., a licensed massage therapist, and a Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do. He has presented papers on holistic healing at the 8th, 9th, and 10th International World Health Conferences in Amsterdam Netherlands, Berlin, Germany and Tokyo, Japan.
Mama Ayo Handy-Kendi, PositiveEnergyWorks, Inc., Ex-Officio Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member, Mr. Roy Owens, Chairman Emeritus, CORE, Baltimore Chapter
Bishop Dorothy Parrish-Harris, Esq., Vice-President Student Affairs, Coppin State University, Pastor Unity Fellowship Columbia. Advisory Board Member
Dr. Linda Powell, Sisters4Sisters, Inc. Health & Wellness, Ex-Officio Board Member
Objective #1
Monies raised will be used to conduct site visits in 2025. Board members will visit the Initiative for Caring for Sexually Active Adolescents Foundation, PRISM, TAYCOF, Hope of Good Hope Children's Center, the New Hope-4-Children and TransKenya.
Objective #2
Monies raised will be used for board members of the Believe Center for Change to address travel expenses, food and lodging from the US to our project sites and return for two persons.
Air Fare to Sites & Return to the US (2 persons)
$1500 USD
Lodging (14 days)
$1800 USD
Meals
$600 USD
Transportation
$250 USD
Objective #3
To obtain a laptop to maintain secure records of services provided to our clients. Also, office equipment, i.e., tables, chairs, and a copier which will increase the work of the organization.
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
$275
Total
$4425 USD
We engage in advocacy. Julius Julicie Ssentume (2nd from left), an ally and Director of New Hope-4-Children and trans advocates meet with a human rights defender.
By Trans Woman, Human Rights Activist
The Believe Center for Change has been supporting trans folks both on the continent as well as in the U.S. MX Renae M. Taylor, author, "Affirmations for Black Trans Folks."
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Amos 5:24 (ESV)
Advocacy is an important aspect of our mission. Here the Rev. Dr. D. Amina B. Butts is speaking and praying at a prayer vigil for slain trans woman, Star Mack. This was the first recorded trans death of the year, taking place in the Nation's Capitol, Washington, D.C., in January 2023.
With long-time trans activist Ms. Earline Budd, Executive Director, Empowering the Transgender Community (ETC) and organizer of the prayer vigil for Star Mack, and Japer Bowles, Director of D.C. Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
TAYCOF HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST SPEAKING AT ZURICH PRIDE
SHARING OUR VOICES AT ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ACTION NETWORK ON FORCED DISPLACEMENT IN BERLIN.
Representing displaced women, internally displaced women across Africa, LGBTQIA+ communities, and especially internally displaced transgender women. Our stories, struggles, and leadership matter -- and they were heard.
COLLABORATION
"Alone we can go fast, together we can go far" is an African proverb that highlights the importance of both individual strength and teamwork. It suggests that while working solo can lead to swift progress, collaborating with others can enable you to achieve greater success and reach farther than you could on your own.
EASTER IN AFRICA
"We wish you a blessed Easter Sunday. Thanks for the love, enjoy your day!"
HAPPY EASTER 2025 FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
To all our partners, friends and community that we serve. This season reminds us of hope, renewal, and the beauty of being our true selves. May you find joy, peace, and strength in who you are. You are loved, valid, and never alone.
Wishing you a joyful and empowering Easter
Organizer
