There are many support groups for LGBTI people around the country. Here we list a few; many have links to other organisations.
The Triangle Project – triangle.org.za
This NPO is a “human rights organisation offering professional services to ensure the full realisation of constitutional and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, their partners and families.” They have a great online booklet: http://triangle.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Injabulo-basic-guide-sexual-and-gender-diversity.pdf
Mamba Online – www.mambaonline.com
This online magazine has an ‘organisations’ resource – as in the link given. The magazine says: “Being gay or lesbian in a generally heterosexist and sometimes homophobic society can take its toll. Various organisations and services around the country aim to provide support and advice in range of life categories. Choose a province below for the listings of these useful organisations.”
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project – www.equality.org.za
This non-profit, “works for full legal and social equality for lesbian, transgender, gay, bisexual and inter-sexed people (LGBTI) people in South Africa.”
The Gay and Lesbian Network (GLN) – www.gaylesbian.org.za
This non-profit in Pietermaritzburg, “has done pioneering work with primarily young, unemployed and marginalized lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people living in and around KwaZulu-Natal. We aim to create a non-discriminatory, supportive and accepting society in which members of all communities are uplifted and developed.”
OUT – www.out.org.za
This is a professional service organisation focusing on Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) people. Based in Tshwane (Pretoria), “OUT’s work takes place on local, provincial, national, continental and international levels. OUT’s focus areas of work are direct health and mental health services, research, mainstreaming and advocacy.”
Outright Action International – www.outrightinternational.org
This organisation says, “We partner directly with thousands of activists throughout the Global South to develop effective advocacy and capacity building for LGBTIQ rights.”
International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) – ilga.org
“The vision of ILGA is of a world where all human rights of all are respected and where everyone can live in equality and freedom; a world where global justice and equity are assured and established regardless of the people’s sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex (intersex)”. They publish a map of sexual orientation laws around the world, updated every year.
There are many organisations that are involved in the protection of human rights generally in South Africa. Click here to view these organisations’ contact details.
You can also find a useful online guide to lgbtq+ guide to online safety here. This offers tips for online protection in the face of online bullying.
