During Trans Awareness Week 2025, we celebrate people like Darlan Rukih. She is a pastor from Kenya and a proud trans woman with an inspiring story.

Growing up intersex was hard for Darlan. She felt isolated, as both boys and girls rejected her. Her family couldn’t afford medical care, so she bravely chose to embrace her identity instead.

As a mother, Darlan was honest with her children about her life. She wanted to protect them from stigma and show them her love.

Today, she helps her community by running schools and homes for needy children. Her work shows her deep care for others.

Darlan’s story is a powerful reminder to be compassionate and accepting. Her courage encourages us all to be true to ourselves. With people from East Africa paving the road, we hope it will not be long before we too are liberated from transphobia.