Purple Royale
A podcast that addresses issues and stories affecting trans and intersex lives in Zimbabwe. It amplifies the voices of the community through personal narratives and discussions. Created by Purple Royale, a community organization in Zimbabwe, the show focuses on local experiences and advocacy.
Episodes
Tinashe: A Transwoman's Experience During Xenophobia.
A documented reality by Trans & Intersex lives from Zimbabwe. Repartriated during xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Among diverse nationalities.A call to end Identity segregation. Advocating for a unified Africa, in our diversity.
No To Xenophobia. We Are ALL Africa.
A documented reality by Trans & Intersex lives from Zimbabwe. Repartriated during xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Among diverse nationalities.A call to end Identity segregation. Advocating for a unified Africa, in our diversity.
We Lead With Pride: A Celebration Of Resilience & Solidarity.
Given the anti rights movement, meant to exclude marginalized, vulnerable communities, what is the experience of Trans & Intersex Lives in Zimbabwe?This is an advocacy dialogue, among stakeholders and the community.Discussing the importance of solidarity. The importance of support & allyship. Ensuring the inclusion of Trans & Intersex lives, in the Human Rights & Development Frame
Gender Equality: Our Lives. Our Dignity.
Given the anti rights movement, meant to exclude marginalized, vulnerable communities, what is the experience of Trans & Intersex Lives in Zimbabwe?This is an improved livelihoods dialogue, in support of IDAHOBIT.A story of our resilience, finding our voice & articulating our needs.Much gratitude to The Black Feminist Fund, The Nebula Pulsar Fund and The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund for suppo
Donnaey: My Journey To Economic Empowerment.
A lived reality of resilience. By Donnaey, a Trans Businessman, living with disability, from Harare, Zimbabwe. A story that proves that anything is achievable, regardless where you come from and the challenges you face as a Trans or Intersex person. Advocating for Trans & Intersex Inclusion In Economic Empowerment. Supported by The Black Feminist Fund, The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Yo
Own Your Narrative. Celebrate Your Resilience.
An empowering Purple Royale Podcast episode, a monologue of Gender Diverse Voices. Articulating the impact of resilience & visibility in Movement Building.Much gratitude to The Black Feminist Fund, The Nebula Pulsar Fund and The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund for supporting our programming efforts in both Rural and Urban Zimbabwe. Do listen in, enjoy, learn & share.Purple Royale: Trans Voices A
Emmanuel: A Rural Lived Reality Of An Intersex Life.
Given the anti rights movement, meant to exclude marginalized, vulnerable communities, what is the experience of Trans & Intersex Lives in Zimbabwe?This is a lived experience, of hope & finding yourself. A lived reality of Emmanuel, an intersex life from Mambale Village, Plumtree, Matebeleland Province, Zimbabwe.A celebration of Intersex lives, during Black History Month.Much gratitude to
Krystar: Inclusion In A Rural Community.
A Transwoman's journey of hope, resilience & acceptance. A lived reality by Krystar, from the rural parts of Plumtree, Zimbabwe. Celebrating inclusion & empowerment of Transwomen in a rural community.Supported by:The Black Feminist Fund.The Nebula Pulsar Fund.The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund.
Meek: Finding Hope In The Face Of Adversity.
Exclusion & intensified stigma of Trans & Intersex Lives, in Rural, Remote Areas, exists. This is a reality of resilience by Meek, a Transperson from Manicaland, Zimbabwe.Much gratitude to The Black Feminist Fund, The Nebula Pulsar Fund and The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund for supporting our programming efforts in both Rural and Urban Zimbabwe.
Zee's Resilience: An Intersex Life's Journey, In Rural Zimbabwe.
What does life look like, for Intersex persons in Rural, Remote Areas? This is a lived life experience, narrated by Zee, an Intersex life from Mambale Village, Plumtree, Matebeleland Province, Zimbabwe.A story of resilience, finding your voice & owning your narrative.Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & Multiple, Much Appreciated Stakeholders, for supporting th
Aiden's Resilience: A Rural Lived Reality.
What does life look like, for Trans & Intersex persons in Rural, Remote Areas? This is a lived life experience, narrated by Aiden, a Transwoman, from Rural parts of Plumtree, Matebeleland Province, Zimbabwe.A story of resilience, finding your voice & owning your narrative.Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & Multiple, Much Appreciated Stakeholders,
BILLY AFRIKA: A Rural Lived Reality.
What does life look like, for Trans & Intersex persons in Rural, Remote Areas? This is a lived life experience, narrated by Billy Afrika, a Transman, from Rural parts of Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & Multiple, Much Appreciated Stakeholders, for supporting the production of this episode.
The Reflection: Exclusion Perpetrated By The Anti-Gender Rhetoric.
The experience of the Trans & Intersex Community in Zimbabwe, after the effects of the anti-gender rhetoric in 2025. From USaid cuts, influenced by the Trump Administration, to cases of stigma, lost jobs and limited healthcare, influenced by anti-gender opinions.This is the raw voice from the community. How we experienced this impact.How we are mitigating it, to ensure that our human rights an
Freedom, I Seek.
The story of a Transman, from Zimbabwe, who encountered assault, as a form of conversion therapy. A narrative that proves, the need for Safety & Security, for Trans & Intersex Lives. A Call to Action, To Uphold, The Human Right To Protection. Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Fund, among much appreciated Stakeholders, for supporting the production of this episode.
We Lead With PRIDE!
The Strength Of An Empowered Community. A celebration of PRIDE! Featuring Trans Voices, among them, Tanaka, representing the Albino Trans & Intersex Community.
Our Voices Amplified!
Much gratitude to Nebula Pulsar Fund, FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & Multiple Appreciated Stakeholders For Supporting The Production Of This Episode.
Stronger In Our Diversity
An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, showing the importance of allyship in ensuring Holistic Inclusion of Trans & Intersex Lives. With voices from Stakeholders in Policy Reform and Community Development.
Much gratitude to The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The Frida Young Feminist Fund for supporting our programming initiatives.
Mental Health, Strengthening Solidarity.
A Movement Strengthening Dialogue, expressing the need for Mental Health, to increase empowerment and solidarity, amidst, the growing anti-gender movement. Which has been threatening the well-being and existence of Trans & Intersex persons. Born this way. Proven by Science, Biology & Reality.
Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund & The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund.
Empowered & Making A Difference
The month of March, is special! We get to celebrate International WomXns Month as well as Trans Visibility! We are so excited to publish this empowering Purple Royale Podcast episode, a dialogue discussing the need for improved livelihoods, decent work, equality, equity as well as family support.
Supported by The Nebula Pulsar Fund, The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund, The Edwick Foundation, as well a
Trans & Intersex Health Matters
Given the Executive Orders from the Trump Administration, withholding essential services such as inclusive, non-discriminatory healthcare, the Trans and Intersex community, has been affected as well. Among other key, vulnerable and marginalized communities in various countries, Zimbabwe included.
The right to Healthcare, is a basic human right for anyone. Exclusion of key communities from inclusi
Our Safety. A Priority.
An Interactive Dialogue, on Movement Building & Strengthening, when it comes to the Safety & Security of Trans & Intersex Lives In Zimbabwe.
Featuring Voices from the Community, as well as, Law Enforcement Officials.
With statistics from the Purple Royale, Safety & Security, Nationwide Research.
Special thanks to the Victim Friendly Unit Police Department. For your continued s
Sandy: Machete On The Table.
What would you do, as a Trans Escort, in the face of danger? This is a real-life experience, by Sandy, a Transwoman In Zimbabwe. Threatened by a client, with Machetes and Fire Arms. Lived to tell the tale, now advocating to End Gender Based Violence & Reduced Livelihoods.
Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!
Standing in solidarity, during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
Tindo: My Story On Becoming & Overcoming.
From the rural parts of Murehwa, Zimbabwe, this is an inspiring story of Tindo,
a Transman who overcame a lot.
From drug addiction and intense stigma in a rural setup, Tindo narrates how he managed to defy societal expectations and choose to be a better version of himself. Accepting who he is, addressing the mental health challenges he faced, to ultimately beating drug addiction and becoming a t
Pastor Pugen: The Importance of Religion & Culture in Trans-Inclusion.
Religion and Culture, plays an important role in influencing mindsets. As a community, we cannot end discrimination towards transgender and intersex persons if we exclude community leaders who play a key role in influencing religion as well as culture.
This is a story about Pastor Pugen. A Transperson from Zimbabwe as they narrate how the love and support from the church, enabled them to be a po
Loveness: The Importance Of Family Support For Trans & Intersex Lives.
“ I was just a child, I needed the support, I needed to feel loved.”
This is a sentiment, which you will often hear, from many Trans and Intersex Lives.
When we talk about improved livelihoods for Trans and Intersex lives, it goes beyond better education or employment. It also encompasses our social life and the importance of a support system. Family, is an important part of that support system.
Thembile: Living with Disability & HIV, As A Transwoman in Zimbabwe.
This month, the Purple Royale Podcast decided to document the lived reality of Thembile, a Transgender woman from Matebeleland Province, living with disability and HIV.
An emotional story, that highlights the need for ending stigma and discrimination towards any transgender or intersex person. These are voices that are often silenced and we are proud of Thembile for sharing her experience of hope
Together In Solidarity, For Safety And Security.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT BUILDING IN ADDRESSING SAFETY AND SECURITY:
The Purple Royale Podcast decided to document our lived experiences as a Key Populations movement when it comes to safety and security. From the recommendations highlighted in the Purple Royale Nationwide Safety and Security research available here http://eepurl.com/iUzaA2 , movement building and strengthening is important.
Taboka: The Need For Safety & Security.
This July, listen to a documented lived experience of Taboka, a transperson who narrates a cyber bullying incident experienced. Launched together with the first ever Purple Royale Nationwide Research on Safety and Security for Trans and Intersex persons in Zimbabwe. Much gratitude to FRIDA Fund for supporting this work. Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified!
Tulani: Standing Tall, Against Adversity.
This June, in honor of Pride Month, Tulani, a non- binary transperson from Matebeleland Province shares their story of coming out stronger after facing adversity in person and online. An inspirational real life experience that shows the importance of leading with pride, claiming our space and being ourselves despite adversity. Supported by the FRIDA Young Feminist Fund and multiple much appreciate
African & Proud: A May Celebration.
This May, join us as we celebrate being Trans, African & Supported! An episode that shares our lived realities with voices from our Mothers who are a key pillar of support in the fight for inclusion. In honor of Mother’s Day, IDAHOBIT & Africa Day. Supported by The FRIDA Young Feminist Fund & multiple, much appreciated stakeholders.
Frazer: The Importance of Mental Health After A Traumatic Experience.
This April, as Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified joins the World in honoring World Health Day, we document a lived experience on Mental Health. The story of Frazer, a transperson from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as they narrate on the after care support they received after a sexual assault experience. Supported by the Frida Young Feminist Fund.
Miracle: My reality on WomXn Empowerment.
This March as we join the world in celebrating International WomXns Month, Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified, decided to shed light on the importance of leaving no one behind, especially Trans and Intersex WomXn. This is a story about Miracle, a transwoman from Mashonaland Province, Zimbabwe, sharing her reality on equality and equity for transwomen. Particularly in this age with digital syste
Challe: A taste of my resilience, in honor of Black History Month.
This February, as we join others in commemorating Black History Month, Purple Royale: Trans Voices Amplified, decided to shed light on the importance of leaving no one behind, especially Black Trans and Intersex Lives. This is a story about Challe, a transwoman from Matebeleland Province Zimbabwe, sharing her journey of resilience and triumph, whilst addressing the need for safety and security. Su
Nkosiyabo: A Content Creator’s experience with Cyber Bullying.
What would you do, as a young trans feminist in the event of backlash and potential hate crime, because you made the bold decision to use your voice and advocacy skills as a content creator and social media influencer? This is the story of Nkosiyabo, a beautiful trans feminist from Hwange, Zimbabwe who is also a social media influencer and activist. Narrating her journey, how she started, how she
Effline: Once discriminated, now respected as a self employed Private Chef.
A journey towards Youth Empowerment. The inspiring story of Effline, a Transwoman from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe who grew up in a strict religious setting that tried to deny her, her existence. Fought through the cracks and eventually came out stronger as a respected, self-employed Private Chef in her community. Valued by her family, respected by her customers and proving that indeed Trans and gender
Derline: A Transwoman’s journey to youth empowerment.
In November, the African Union decided to commemorate the youth through recognition and empowerment. Purple Royale supports this inclusive initiative by documenting Derline’s lived experience, the experience of a transwoman’s journey towards a better, empowered life. Derline narrates her experience navigating the stigma she faced from family and the general community, she narrates how starting her
Tafadzwa: I survived Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence is often ignored and difficult for outsiders to detect. It comes in many forms, emotional, physical and even psychological. Here is Tafadzwa, a transperson from Kadoma, Zimbabwe sharing their story on surviving Intimate Partner Violence and coming out stronger.
This documented reality is in support of ending Gender Based Violence of any forms.
Supported by FRIDA Fund, T
Tinny: Unpacking burn out in Activism & the need for Movement Strengthening
Activists are an important part in advocacy. They are the voice of the often neglected. However, with activism comes the danger of burn out. How do we address it? How do we support activists and ensure that their mental health and lives are not neglected? Tinny, a Gender non-conforming trans activist unpacks their experience and more. An enlightening episode that also ensures movement building as
Richard: The story of a Transman discriminated at a job interview.
In this episode, Purple Royale documents the lived experience of Richard, a Transman from Harare, Zimbabwe who was discriminated at a job interview because of his gender identity and expression. This evidence based reality highlights the struggles Trans and Intersex persons experience when seeking employment. Let’s end the stigma, decent work and improved livelihoods is a basic human right for all
S'bu: Blackmailed by a journalist
Gender Based Violence comes in many forms. Sometimes from our partners & at times from stakeholders in the community. Here is a lived reality of a Transman from Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. Narrating his experience getting blackmails and threats from a local journalist because of his gender identity and expression.
This episode is in support of ending Gender Based Violence expressed in all forms espec
Austin: The story of a survivor
After enduring decades of stigma and abuse from her father, Austin, a transwoman from the ghetto streets in Harare tells a compelling experience of how a near death experience forced her to leave home in search for a safer environment. This episode is in honor of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Intersexphobia IDAHOBIT commemorated on May 17.
Thank you to FRIDA
Rhai: A lived experience of discrimination in the workplace.
A touching story of a non binary trans person from Masvingo in Zimbabwe who experienced employee harassments, indecent assault, public humiliation and unethical working conditions because of their Gender identity. This perpetrated by the employer and community, listen to the story to find out more.
In support of International Labor Day, Purple Royale decided to document a lived reality advocatin
Donnaey: Trans Businessman living with disability but thriving!
Being born Trans and living with disability is not easy. Worse when you receive limited support for education, essentials and the love of a family. However, all this did not stop Donnaey from going after his dreams. With remarkable tenacity, this hustler in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe continues to defy the odds. Showing that disability nor your gender identity can never pull you down. Supporte
Anonymous: Living with HIV as a Transperson in Zimbabwe
Trans and Intersex persons continue to be at high risk of HIV and worse AIDS. Stigma, discrimination, conversion therapy as well as reduced livelihoods remain some of the contributing factors. Lack of information on HIV prevention & treatment being another. However, even with the availability of HIV services in local clinics, sensitization of health care providers & policy makers is still
STOP AIDS: A poem by Ammartia a.k.a Harriet
In the fight against HIV and ending AIDS which most trans & intersex persons continue to be at risk, Purple Royale decided to feature a special episode. A motivational poem by one of our own, Ammartia. A powerful orator with the natural gift of composing poems and art that inspires multitudes. Here is one of their finest poems, advocating for Adherence, Treatment and Prevention of HIV, new inf
TEE: Trans orphan, growing up in a rural village, forced to live on the streets
In this Episode, we gave Tee. a Gender Non Conforming Trans person the opportunity to own their narrative and share their lived reality. Growing up trans to supportive parents then reality struck upon their passing, discriminated by other relatives and communities in a rural setup with little to no means of assistance, ultimately forced to become homeless and live on the streets of Zvishavane town
Tinashe: A success story of Triumph.
What would you do if you were stigmatized and abandoned by the only father figure you knew? Forced fo drop out of school but still managed to do something worthwhile with your life? To a point of becoming the family’s breadwinner?
Listen to Tinashe as they narrate their experience as a transperson living in Zimbabwe turning lemons into lemonade amidst the storm of it all.
THE PRODUCTION OF THIS
Theo: Conversion Therapy gone wrong. As usual.
Listen to Theo, a transwoman from Zimbabwe as she narrates her experience being subjected to conversion therapy in form of physical and sexual assault by her co-workers and roommates. A horrific incident of a survivor. Much thanks to Frida Fund, Pepfar Zimbabwe and The Other Foundation for supporting the production of this episode.
Trans Health Matters: A discussion on the need for Inclusive Healthcare
What would you do, if you wanted your body to affirm to your gender? If you wanted to get inclusive healthcare that enables you to fit into society, get security and just feel complete as a person but fail to find nor access such healthcare services in your country? The country you were born and bred in, the country you want to feel like you belong and are included just like any valuable citizen?
Beyoncé Zee Savage: A transwoman's journey seeking Gender Affirming Healthcare in Zimbabwe
Listen in as we take you through Beyoncé Zee Savage's journey. Being a transwoman in Zimbabwe, the stigma and public assault she experienced to ultimately trying to become whole thereby seeking Gender Affirming Healthcare, at a time where it is difficult to access if not non-existent in Zimbabwe.
The production of this episode was supported by The Other Foundation.
We Belong, We Exist, We Matter. Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility.
What a time to be alive! Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility in Zimbabwe. Indeed we have come a long way and this is us taking you through lived experiences of the Trans community in Zimbabwe. Answering this important question: What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to us , to our families, to our allies, to our country and the International community.
Find out this and more, listen in and share.
Lets talk: Family & Improved livelihoods
From being disowned by family to trying to fit in where you barely exist, what does it mean when we talk about improved livelihoods for the Trans community in Zimbabwe? Catch us in this dialogue episode, as we discuss all things family, acceptance, livelihoods and even policy change.
Let's Talk: Self Acceptance & Inclusion
Breakthroughs happen everyday and for the Trans community, we too have our good days. In this Episode, we take you through a journey of self acceptance and inclusion. From finding love, becoming a valued citizen and managing to build a family despite the challenges we have faced as trans and intersex persons. This is us, celebrating our success stories. Listen to the episode to find out exac
Breeze, we shall never forget.
The lived life story of Breeze, a fellow transman who was from Kadoma, Zimbabwe. Touching but thought provoking. Coincidentally on Trans Day of Remembrance 2021. We shall never forget.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed towards the production of this episode.
The Other Foundation for funding our production costs, supporting this much needed initiative and Transsmart Trust, Children's
Spransa: Dhuma, dhuma with police gate crashers
What would you do if the police gate crashed your social event, causing havoc, arresting you because of your Gender identity or orientation? This is what happened to Spransa and her friends at an LGBTI party. Listen in & share.
Bree: The Airport Incident Unpacked.
This is a story about Bree, a transwoman who was unlawfully assaulted by an immigration officer at Harare International Airport. All because of her gender identity and the need for legal gender recognition in Zimbabwe. The story unpacks the importance of acknowledging human rights for all as per the United Nations Agenda 2030, leaving no one behind. An agenda which Zimbabwe, one of the member stat
Mabholo finds love in Prison.
Meet Mabholo, a transman from Kadoma, Zimbabwe as he narrates his unforgettable experience in prison. The hate crime, the stigma, thw bullying but amidst all of that finding someone who accepted and loved him as he is.
Paris: Assaulted, left to die yet lived to tell the tale
Meet Paris, a Transwoman from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as she narrates a horrific incident where she was assaulted on her birthday and abandoned at a graveyard. Luckily she lived to tell the tale.
Ras That Guy: Reproductive health for a Transman
Meet Ras, #RasThatGuy as he narrates an unforgettable experience seeking a healthcare treatment in Zimbabwe as a transman.
Bree: My experience during Covid19
This commentary is from Bree, a business woman from Harare, Zimbabwe as she narrates her experience during the corona virus pandemic as a transwoman. Particularly how the lockdown is affecting healthcare, the economy and normal life.
Mabholo: Life (Hupenyu) in the time of Covid19.
Listen to Mabholo, a transman from Kadoma, Zimbabwe narrating his experience in the era of Covid19. Hupenyu uhwuinguva yeCovid19 (Life in the era of Covid19)
Being a man proud of his african roots, this narration is in the Zimbabwean vernacular language , shona. Feel the emotion and listen to first hand experience living in Rural Zimbabwe during this corona virus global pandemic.
Ethey: My experience during Covid19
A commentary from Ethey, a transwoman from Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Narrating her experience during the Covid19 experience, her worries and hopes for the future.
Love and relationships
Lets talk about love, dating and heartbreaks as a transperson or ally in Zimbabwe. Quite an interesting topic.
Being Trans in Zimbabwe
Welcome to our first ever episode on the Purple Royale Podcast, a podcast that addresses issues and stories affecting Transgender lives in Zimbabwe. In this episode we are going back to the basics:
1. What does it mean to be transgender
2. Why is it important to learn more about transgender lives in your community.
3. What issues do transgender lives experience
4. How do you understand a transgend
