Chunky Gumende

Board Member

Sithembile “Chunky” Gumede is a 32-year-old gender non-conforming lesbian activist from Eswatini, openly living with HIV and dedicated to advancing the dignity, rights, and visibility of lesbian, bisexual, queer women and gender non-conforming persons. They focus on addressing stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers affecting LGBTQI+ communities, including those in prison settings. Sithembile is the Founder and Executive Director of the Queer Women’s Network (QWN) LBQR Swaziland, a grassroots organization established in 2015 with young rural lesbian women. The organization empowers LBQ women and gender non-conforming persons through advocacy, leadership development, community mobilization, and access to inclusive health services, amplifying voices of marginalized groups, particularly in rural areas and among incarcerated individuals. They also serve as a Frontline Focal Person for LBQGNC communities, coordinating support and advocacy for individuals facing violence, stigma, and limited access to services. Their work links communities to health and legal resources and ensures representation in national and regional platforms. With extensive experience in HIV and AIDS advocacy, Sithembile specializes in sexual and reproductive health and rights, community advocacy, and support for incarcerated populations. Known as “Chunky,” they are a dynamic leader with an Advanced Degree in Psychology and aspirations to study medicine, strengthening their work in mental health, gender identity, and community wellbeing.