Comments on: Durban LGBT+ voices: KZN needs to do more in promoting acceptance and safety

By: Ezra

Ezra — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 16:51:51 +0000

Very good article, unfortunately we do not know any of the people who were interviewed. I would love to see them support the many different LGBTI initiatives during the year hosted by various groups (mostly funded by themselves). These include special events, monthly meetings and support groups, not to mention the various LGBTI religious groups.

I also wish to mention that there is a transgender support group in Durban hosting regular meetings, but, it could be better supported. Contact @SameLove in Durban for more details.

“We really need to focus on everyone more than we do on white gay people” – Maybe the Durban Pride Committee can also be more transparent in their arrangements, seeing that it is a total black organisation organising the pride, but with very little external support. I am starting to wonder if they even have a following? Take for example the PMB pride, 99% black and indian, 1% white. Why can they get it right? I must however complement the number of younger females in the crowd this year. I think they exceed the male numbers.

To run a support structure/group you need support from the community (not only funding). We are quick to ask for support, but, when events (for example “international day against homophobia” takes place), it is very badly supported, especially between the younger crowd.

The Durban Pride organiser 2018 posted 5 adverts on social media for “Durban Pride Afterparties”. Only one of these identified as LGBTI friendly. They excluded our only major Gay club that is open 365 days a year and that supports all LGBTI events and make their venue freely available during the year for LGBTI meetings. But we are not supporting them?

Before we can point a finger, we need to look at ourselves. Don’t expect support, especially from our younger crowd and individuals coming out, if we don’t support openly LGBTI events ourselves.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 02:26:14 +0000

Same Love Toti a NPO has a monthly meeting for the LGBT community for family and friends, also once a month there is a one on one councelling for transgender . You can find there details on face book twitter. Maybe u can advertise it and make people more aware that there is assistance out there.

By: Kim Lithgow

Kim Lithgow — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 17:35:14 +0000

@Same Love Toti offers many services for the LGBTI community in Durban. There are various monthly meetings, one for LGBTI and families, a transgender session for the trans* community, and a youth group too. We also raise awareness by doing sensitisation workshops in schools and any other interested parties, and we have an annual beach walk that calls for an end to homophobia, biphobia & transphobia.
We are part of the LGBTI Provincial Task Team and form part of the Hate Crimes Working Group, to take a stand and do our part in the fight against hate crimes.
Can we ask for your support in getting the word out there? Hopefully those who need help will be better able to find it!