The Estonian Trans Alliance (ETA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of trans and non-binary people, and other gender minorities in Estonia. ETA is created by trans people, for trans people.
In our work, we adhere to the Estonian Code of Ethics for nonprofit organizations.
The alliance’s mission is to empower the Estonian trans+ community through building and strengthening support networks, sharing information, and engaging in advocacy. ETA’s primary goal is to promote legislative and social change that advances the rights, dignity, and well-being of trans people.
*trans+ is an umbrella term that includes trans and non-binary people, and others belonging to gender minorities.
ETA was officially established in May 2022, but its roots reach further back. The organization grew out of the “Lilla agenda” podcast and the support groups founded by ETA co-founders Mel Zelmin and Paul Joosep Vahtra.
What we stand for
We believe that everyone — regardless of their gender identity — has the right to full self-determination and to a life free from violence and discrimination. We recognize that members of the trans+ community face numerous systemic barriers and ongoing marginalization in society. That is why we are committed to dismantling those barriers and advancing the rights of trans people.
Right to self-determination — Every person must have the right to define their own gender identity and to express themselves freely. This also includes access to gender-affirming healthcare and other forms of support that help individuals live in accordance with their gender identity.
Intersectionality — The lives of trans people are often shaped by multiple overlapping forms of oppression that intersect with gender-based discrimination, such as homophobia, racism, sexism, ableism, and economic injustice. We therefore address issues where transphobia intersects with other forms of systemic oppression.
Community empowerment — Through our events and activities, we provide safer spaces for exploration and self-expression. Our work is guided by the needs and voices of trans people, but we understand that the alliance itself does not equal the entire community. We actively support and celebrate trans-led initiatives, projects, and achievements.
Education and awareness — In our daily work, we strive to improve public understanding of trans issues. We share knowledge about trans people’s experiences and raise awareness about the harm caused by transphobia. We also provide allies with tools and insights on how to support the trans community better.
Legal and policy advocacy — Our goal is to ensure that Estonia adopts policies and legislation that protect and promote the rights of trans people.
- Gender recognition (legal change of gender marker and social security number) must be based on a person’s self-determination rather than on medical or psychiatric approval. As an organization, we advocate for a legal gender recognition process that is fully separated from medical procedures.
- Access to gender-affirming healthcare must rely on collaboration between the individual and medical specialists — that is, on the principle of informed consent — rather than on psychiatric diagnosis, evaluation, or control.
- Legal recognition of non-binary identities in Estonia should be ensured through the creation of an X gender marker classification and by guaranteeing equal access to gender-affirming healthcare services for non-binary people.
As an organization dedicated to defending trans people’s rights, we uphold these principles and work tirelessly toward a world where trans people can live with dignity, safety, and full respect for their human rights.