Tuisina Ymania Brown
xx xx, xxxx - xx xx, xxxx
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Board and staff of TGEU announce the passing of our beloved Executive Director, Tuisina Ymania Brown while in hospital in Berlin, Germany, after planned heart surgery. Ymania was more than a compassionate leader; she embodied trans resilience, wisdom, and transformative power. Ymania's uplifting, creative and powerful personality touched everyone who knew her. Her leadership was visionary because it was grounded in lived experience, cultural wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to collective liberation. Ymania understood that trans leadership means lifting others as we climb. She spent her life creating pathways for those who would follow. She consistently demonstrated that our power lies in our ability to transform systems from within while never forgetting where we came from. Perhaps most importantly, Ymania embodied the principle of collective care that is vital to our movement. She was a trans activist, a mother, grandmother, and mentor who understood that our strength comes from taking care of one another. She showed us that it is possible to transform pain into power, isolation into community, and struggle into leadership for systemic change.
Condolences
Inesita da Silva
After a long absence (Malmo, 2010) I joined the ninth TGEU council in Malta. There I grew acquainted with Ymania Brown. She was asked by one fearful participant following her closing speech, “Where do we find solidarity in the face of adversity? How do we get the message across that we deserve to be treated equally?” She advised us where to find allies, shared her own personal experience, and encouraged us to stand up, to be counted and to do our bit on behalf of the Trans Gender community. I've always believed the best awareness raising is accomplished through our own visibility. And so on Thursday Dec. 11, with the support of TGEU colleagues, Darius and Richard, I organised a lunchtime Transgender Inclusion awareness raising session for my colleagues at the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Three other EU agencies contributed to our agenda, plus EGALITE. The EU Agency Network Diversity and Inclusion Working Group Chair/Co-chair also joined, with a view to putting the topic in their 2026 workplan. We had maybe 50 or so participants, also from other EU agencies. Our event had three goals: I) to raise awareness (I revealed myself as transgender), ii) to share with participants the challenges that Trans Gender people face in the workplace; and III) to identify solutions, several of which were presented (TGEU training, TransInclusive Workplace Guidelines, and Role Models). Our lunchtime session then was really to honour Ymania and her memory. She was an inspiration to us all who attended the Malta Council and if it wasn't for her rousing 'call to action,' I wouldn't have 'stood' there in front of all my colleagues. That then is a testament to her leadership and legacy. In loving memory of Ymania Brown xxx
Luis Loureiro de Amorim
We shared a panel at EuroPride 2025 in Lisbon. I remember someone full of life, assertive and with a clear vision.
Lee Badgett
What a loss for our movement and a loss of a wonderful human being. I ran into Ymania at conferences mainly, where I got a clear sense of why she was such a great leader. We happened to be at a conference together the day the US election results came in, and her strength, her analysis, and her big warm hugs got me through that rough day. It's hard to believe she is gone, but her spirit will live on with us..
Taylor
My deepest condolences to the family and community of activists and loved ones who cherished Ymania so much. She always brought truth, warmth, and passion to any conversation, any task. She leaves an immense legacy.
Ricca Paris
Words fail me , I will miss you my dear sister , we will meet again , god bless you , fly high
Betty Windsor
Fly high you beautifull soul , you will be greatly missed Love and hugs
Mukasa Samora
This is so sad. Rest in Peace Ymania. You will be missed.
Julia Andreou
Our deepest condolensces for the passing of Ymania, let's all celebrate the wonderful work that she has guided the community in and may her soul rest in peace and love. ACCEPT LGBT Cyprus
Page 1 of 3