The core principle guiding the initiation, planning, and implementation of these efforts is the support of initiatives developed and led by key or vulnerable communities. These initiatives aim to enhance the experiences of working with trans people, including intersectional groups such as sex workers, people who use drugs, those engaged in chemsex, users of new psychoactive substances, and other multiply marginalized groups.

Some of these initiatives have been carried out under the ongoing Flexible Community-Led Fund program, made possible through the generous support of international financial donors. In 2025, some initiatives are being partially or fully implemented within the framework of the project Supporting the Diversity of the Trans Community in Ukraine, primarily funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

We established a community-led granting mechanism to strengthen Community-Based/ Led Organizations (CBOs/CBLOs) and Key Population (KP) initiatives. The mechanism was guided by inclusivity, flexibility, and sustainability and used a tested mini-grant template adapted from HPLGBT. An external sub-granting expert, working with HPLGBT management, issued the call, applied clear selection criteria, and provided coaching and technical assistance to beneficiaries. Funding prioritized innovative and community-rooted approaches, including interventions that addressed the daily realities of trans sex workers and efforts with potential legislative impact.

We used an iterative approach that accepted and strengthened Concept Notes even when strategies were still developing, through targeted questions and mentoring. Sub-grants specifically targeted hard-to-reach and intersectional groups, including trans people and their associations, and supported actors who could reach those still invisible to HIV prevention services. The mechanism allowed rapid reallocation of priorities and resources in response to war, displacement, migration, and emergent health needs while maintaining programmatic and financial accountability through standard reporting. Sub-grants amplified diverse trans community voices, connected KP organizations with policymakers and service providers, and built the capacity and sustainability of young and initiative-led groups.

Open Report — PDF