Abhina Aher is a transgender activist in India working in the HIV and human rights since last 24 years in India. She is post graduate in NGO Management from S.I.E.S College Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra and holds diploma in software engineering from Boston Computer Institute. She started her social work engagement with the oldest LGBTI organisation called The Humsafar Trust empowering LGBT organizations and queer networks across India under the leadership of Ashok Row Kavi, first Gay activist who came in media as queer person. In her career as social activist she has worked on crucial HIV programme including BMGF Impact programme, Aastha Project, USAID Impact programme, Pehchan The Global Fund programme, Global Fund Advocacy Network initiatives and currently working on the Sunshine programme led by ITECH-Inadia in North East supported by CDC and HRSA. In her professional work she has worked with SOSVA-FHI, Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Program (JHUCCP) and India HIV/AIDS Alliance. She was awarded with the Rex Award in 2014, Global Innovator in 2017 and Enby Round Table Award in 2020 for her community work. She started first trans led dancing group for queer advocacy in India called ‘Dancing Queens’ and established first collaborative organization between transwomen & transmen in India called TWEET – (Transgender Welfare Equity and Empowerment Trust) Foundation in India. She was instrumental in providing technical support to National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and State AIDS Control Organizations in key population (MSM, TG, PWID, Women in sex work and PLHIV) In country. Internationally she supported WPATH – World Professional Association of Transgender Health, World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS and The Global Fund on advancing issues related to the sexual minorities and HIV work. She has worked as an advocate for The Global Fund Advocacy Network (GFAN) Asia in putting forward gender priorities on health & HIV work and was an important advocate to raise 14 Billion resources for The Global Fund in 6th replenishment cycle. She is former chair of Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN), starring committee member of International Trans Fund (ITF), Vice president of Innovative Response on Global Transgender HIV work (IRGT) and health champion for HIV and TB with GFAN AP. Currently she is working as technical expert on key population with I-TECH India.
