Mocha Celis

Location
Argentina

Programme
Dela V Accelerator
in partnership with Ashoka

Website
www.mochacelis.org

Mocha Celis Is pioneering education and inclusion for transgender and non-binary communities across Latin America

Mocha Celis addresses the systemic discrimination and exclusion faced by cross-dressers, trans and non-binary people in Argentina. These communities often endure a harsh reality marked by rejection from their families, exclusion from educational institutions, and limited employment opportunities. As a result, many are forced into vulnerable jobs, face institutional violence, and are denied access to essential health services. This cycle of marginalisation leads to a life expectancy of just 35-40 years for trans women.

Mocha Celis seeks to break this cycle by providing these individuals with pathways to education, self-sufficiency, and dignity. The organisation’s flagship initiative is the Mocha Celis High School, the first of its kind in the world. Located in Buenos Aires, the school offers a safe and inclusive environment for cross-dressers, trans and non-binary people and other marginalised groups, such as LGBTAI+ individuals, migrants, and Afro-descendants. Mocha Celis empowers students to reclaim their futures by offering high school education and vocational training.

Since its inception, over a hundred students annually — ranging in age from 16 to 60 — have enrolled, with many graduating as Assistant Experts in Community Development. These qualifications enable them to pursue higher education and secure meaningful employment, with graduates holding positions in public agencies and private companies.

Mocha Celis has impacted lives locally and inspired similar educational programmess across Latin America, in countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Chile. The organisation’s influence extends beyond the classroom. It has produced books, documentaries, and cultural exhibitions that highlight the struggles and resilience of the cross-dressing, trans and non-binary community, further raising awareness and fostering societal change.

Programme support

Through the Dela programme, Mocha Celis aims to scale its impact by expanding its educational model and forging stronger networks with other social enterprises. We look forward to being part of the journey as they work towards a future where the TTNB communities can live full and dignified lives across Latin America.