Many people have faced extreme hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The LGBTQIA+ community in the Western Cape has a support system very few people know about. Here are some organizations that do the good work for the queer community:
Triangle Project is a non-profit human rights organisation offering professional services to ensure the full realisation of constitutional and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, their partners and families.
Their three core services centre around Health and Support, Community Engagement and Empowerment, and Research and Advocacy.
“We offer a wide range of services to LGBTQI+ communities. These include sexual health clinical care, counselling, support groups, a helpline, public education and training services, community outreach, court support to survivors of hate crimes and a needle and syringe programme,” the Triangle Project said.
Contact details:
Telephone: 021 422 0255
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2nd Floor, Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket Street, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town, 8001
OUT provides services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and MSM communities, including HIV testing, counselling, treatment, prevention and general sexual health and lifestyle support.
“We also work to eradicate LGBT hate crimes and assist victims through our Love Not Hate programme,” the organization said.
OUT has been in existence for more than 25 years and is dedicated to the building of healthy and empowered LGBT communities in South Africa and internationally, while reducing heterosexism and homophobia in society.
While the organization is based in Pretoria, it helps queer individuals across the country.
Contact details:
Telephone: 012 430 3272 / 066 190 5812
Address: 1310 Stanza Bopape Street, Colbyn, Pretoria 0083
The Trust is a short-term residential facility that strives to provide relevant and supportive services within a safe environment to LGBTI+ individuals who have experienced or continue to experience a crisis and/or trauma, especially in the context of homo/trans prejudice, which includes, stigma, discrimination, gender-based violence, xenophobia and sudden homelessness. It also helps individuals who need shelter and psycho-social care during the crisis and/or trauma.
The organization aims to:
- provide support to the broader LGBTI+ community, especially in the context of homo-prejudice, stigma and human rights abuse
- network with civil society and state organisations ensuring LGBTI+ concerns are raised in relevant contexts and that non-discriminatory policies are adhered to
- liaise and network for a broader base of community engagement in the context of human and mental health rights for the LGBTI+ communities in South Africa
“The core of Pride Shelter’s mission is support to the broader and diverse LGBTI+ community as a whole, specifically with a value base of acceptance, non-discrimination and the equal rights of all persons regardless of race, gender, gender-non conformity, bodily diversity, sexual orientation, class, faith, and age,” it said.
Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)21 423 2871
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1 Molteno Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town 8001
Sonke strengthens the capacity of governments, civil society, and citizens to advance gender justice and womxn’s rights, prevent gender-based violence and reduce the spread of HIV and the impact of AIDS, and in this way contribute to social justice and the elimination of poverty.
“Effective responses to gender-based violence and HIV and AIDS require organisations to develop multifaceted strategies and build relationships with both traditional and non-traditional partners. Thus Sonke works closely with a range of organisations and individuals including women’s rights organisations, social movements, trade unions, government departments, sports associations, faith-based organisations, media organisations, university research units and human rights advocates. In addition, Sonke is committed to ensuring that programmes are informed by the perspectives and priorities of those working to advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersexual communities, people living with HIV and AIDS, and refugees and migrants. Women, sexual minorities, young people, refugees, migrants and other relevant stakeholders are represented in Sonke’s governance structures,” Sonke said.
Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 423 7088
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1st Floor, Sir Lowry Studios, 95 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town, South Africa
The South African Queer Resource Group is a platform for queer/LGBTI+ people living in South Africa.
Picture: Pixabay
