TRANScending Adversity: Leila's Story of Courage & Community

“Knowing who I wanted to be kept me going.”

For many, Women’s Day is a time of celebration. But for Leila, a trans woman, it is also a day of reflection — on the struggles she has endured, the strength she has found, and the journey that brought her to where she is today.

Born in Syria, Leila was forced to flee with her family due to war, first to Jordan and later to Türkiye. Yet, despite escaping conflict, she faced another battle — the fight to live openly as herself. “I moved to Argentina to be able to freely be myself and live without fear due to my gender identity and sexuality,” she shares.

Now, she is rebuilding her life as an activist for human and LGBTQI+ rights. With a degree in Software Engineering and research in Artificial Intelligence, she is publishing her first academic paper while leading an organization dedicated to empowering trans individuals.

A Journey Fueled by Hope

“Hope was my biggest source of strength. Knowing who I wanted to be and how I wanted to live, knowing it was possible, and picturing it in my mind as my guide kept me going through the hardest times. Sometimes, that image was all I had. Knowing that this was something achievable, I insisted that I wanted to get through anything to experience it and make it my own.”

Even in the face of adversity, Leila never lost sight of her true self. “They can take away so much from us, but they cannot take away that image. That image gives you the strength to get to the other side.”

Redefining Womanhood: Strength, Solidarity, and Beauty

For Leila, being a woman means more than identity — it is about community and resilience. “It has been the feeling of being welcome, with yourself and among your sisters. Womanhood is solidarity, shared experiences, wisdom, and strength.”

She describes transitioning as a deeply personal yet universal experience. “Taking HRT is often described as a second puberty, and that is not much of a metaphor. Our bodies and experiences as trans women are a lot more similar to cis women’s than people often think.”

Building a Future for Others

Now an executive director of Trans-IT Foundation, Leila is determined to create opportunities for others. “We work on economically empowering the trans community by providing training, scholarships, and career opportunities so members of our community can be financially independent.”

Yet, her vision extends beyond her organization. “I hope to continue my academic journey and start a postgraduate degree. Learning is a lifelong journey.”

Community as a Lifeline

Since relocating to Argentina, community has been vital. “I’ve relied on my community, local and otherwise, in times of need. They have been welcoming and supportive, always offering advice and connections.”

But beyond Argentina, she sees a global shift in LGBTQI+ solidarity. “While the system is tearing itself apart, and establishments are either failing or actively targeting us, I see grassroots movements and community bonds growing stronger. Our strength comes from unity. When the LGBTQ+ community in Argentina mobilized in just two days against a harmful statement by the president, it gave me hope.”

A Call to Action: Protecting Rights, Securing Futures

For anyone in a position of power, she has a clear message: “We cannot take rights for granted. We need to enshrine protections, create safeguards, and ensure that the system cannot be exploited to strip away access and rights.”

She also highlights the need for better refugee support. “In Argentina, asylum seekers struggle with everyday basics because they lack an ID number. A temporary registry upon arrival would change so much. Every refugee struggles with the basics of opening a bank account or taking appointments or using public and private services due to not having an ID number.”

A Message of Gratitude

“I’m very grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. It was not easy and there were so many points where I thought it was impossible, and it would have been without you. I would not be where I am today, nor would I be who I am today, without the support of every friend who walked the journey with me, every ‘friend of a friend who knows someone who can help’, every organization and every group that offered and tried to help. I’m very grateful and hope you can still help those in need.”

Leilia’s journey is one of resilience, but countless others still face danger simply for being who they are. Your support can help provide safety, resources, and opportunities for trans refugees to rebuild their lives. Donate today and be part of their journey to freedom.