GLOBAL ROUNDTABLE • 2025
Economic Empowerment & Legal Recognition: Transgender Inclusion in America and Beyond
26 August 2025 • Worldwide • Virtual Roundtable
Hosted & Moderated by Parth Parnami
ABOUT THE DIALOGUE
This global roundtable brings together transgender advocates, community leaders, legal and policy professionals, academics and other practitioners to discuss economic empowerment, legal recognition and practical pathways toward inclusion.
The discussion connects lived experience with legal, economic and social perspectives across regions.
Tre'Andre Carmel Valentine
Executive Director, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, USA
Frank Fabian
Executive Director at Prism empowerment and development initiative, Uganda
Julia Kalder
Manager Global Talent & Agile Organizational Development at Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany
Gabriel Pereira
Founder of LGBTQ+ Support Network,
Singapore
Robert Panico
Wellbeing Coach at
Together for Mental Wellbeing,
UK
Sakshi Jain
Lawyer and founder of The Queers of Jammu,
India
James Patnaude
Transgender Advocacy Specialist, San Joaquin Pride Center,
USA
Safara Malone
Student, Harvard University & Policy Intern, Transgender Education Network of Texas,
USA
Thantaswa Qongqo
Admin Assistant,
Happiness Consultants,
South Africa
Prateek Arora
Assistant Professor of Economics at Union College,
USA
Stephanie Joy Kolton
Executive Director at Patchwork Transgender Peer Services,
USA
Sheebah Ntaate
Steering Committee Member, Uganda National Trans Forum, Uganda
.png)
Daisy Fik Juliana
Executive Director at Amani Youth Foundation,
Uganda
Jamil Arafat
Security and KP focal Person/ Peer Educator at Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, Uganda
Kwikiriza Isaac
Transgender Rights Defender and Community Strategist,
Uganda
Ramses Wolfe
Director and EDI adviser at Manchester Trans Pride,
UK
Fleury Irakoze
Member and Advocate of Human Rights at AB and Rainbow Heritage Unitiative, Uganda
Nadya Estefania Japaz Tixeira
Independent Consultant on Human Rights and Business at
Southern Light Groups, Spain
Ashraf Hussain
State Program Manager,
Basera Samajik Sansthan,
India
Agenda Program
Date: August 26, 2025
Economic Empowerment and Legal Recognition: Transgender Inclusion in America and Beyond
11:00 – 11:05 AM ET | Welcome & Event Overview
-
Opening by Parth Parnami, Host & Moderator
-
Why this discussion matters: Connecting local action in India to global collaboration for transgender inclusion.
11:05 – 12:55 PM ET |
Main Panel
"Economic Empowerment & Legal Recognition – Turning Dialogue into Measurable Change"
A single, integrated discussion with section-wise focus and dedicated speakers
-
Economic Empowerment – From Survival to Sustainability
-
Real-world programs creating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities
-
Proven funding models, corporate inclusion policies, and microfinance examples
-
Role of public–private partnerships in scaling impact
-
-
Legal Recognition – From Advocacy to Action
-
Pathways to securing legal identity, rights, and benefits
-
Cross-country policy comparisons and lessons learned
-
Overcoming cultural and institutional barriers to recognition
-
-
Community Voices & Lived Experiences
-
Short, powerful stories from grassroots activists and legal professionals
-
Lived experiences navigating education, work, and financial systems
-
Barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and upward mobility
-
Community-based solutions that have made a real difference
-
How policy and economic language can better reflect trans realities
-
12:55 – 12:58 PM ET |
Toolkit & Post-Event Resources
-
Access to downloadable checklists, partner contacts, and advocacy guides
-
How participants can contribute to the Global Trans Inclusion Resource Bank
12:58 – 01:00 PM ET | Closing & Next Steps
-
Staying engaged via quarterly global roundtables
-
Invitation to join upcoming roundtables