Over the years, the young people at Mermaids, with whom the charity has had the privilege to work with, constantly vocalise how so many conversations and decisions regarding young trans people are had, without their voices being heard.
Therefore, Mermaids, the charity and advocacy organisation that supports gender variant and transgender youth, has launched MANGO, a pilot, trans-led, 12-week Activism and Advocacy online programme for gender diverse young people, which will follow principles of building collective power and liberation.
Mermaids say: “As a young person, the future is yours to take. We’re here to connect you with a network of young activists, and to reflect and exchange knowledge on how to achieve change, in whatever capacity that might be.
“While holding a clear focus on trans liberation, we aim to explore issues that reflect the variety of our communities and the problems that impact us, through an intersectional lens – not shying away from reflections on transphobia, ableism, racism, poverty and classism, education and our erasure from history, negative media coverage and other topics that move beyond mainstream conversations regarding trans people.”
MANGO, which stands for Mermaids’ Activists Network Group Online, is open to every trans, non-binary, gender diverse and gender questioning young person, aged between 16-19.
There are 20 slots available initially. If there’s enough interest, Mermaids will be running the programme with different clusters of young people throughout the year.
Mermaids add: “We want this programme to be as accessible as possible to all of those who want to be a part of it.
“During the application process, you will have the opportunity to tell us if you need support accessing technology, the internet, or a space where you can remotely and safely attend the programme. These are clear barriers that stop people from being able to be a part of this project and our team is ready to address them as needed.
“MANGO will be accredited by the British Youth Council, through the Youth Voice Award scheme. You can use this ASDAN accreditation as a certificate to support future academic or professional endeavours.”
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