Queer Students and Youth Speak Out on Impact of HIV Funding Cuts

Around 50 people attended a community workshop in Johannesburg on Thursday to address the growing healthcare crisis facing LGBTQ+ people—especially queer students and young people—following the recent HIV funding cuts by the US government.

The workshop, hosted by GALA Queer Archive at Wits University, brought together students, community and campus health providers, health professionals, and activists.

Participants shared the impact of the closure of clinics that specifically served gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as transgender individuals.

Speaking at the event, GALA Director Keval Harie acknowledged the devastation caused by the cuts to essential services but offered a note of resilience. “We have been here before in so many ways, but we faced [these challenges] through community building,” he said.

Stories of Disruption and Discrimination

Participants shared stories of people defaulting on ARVs and others struggling to access PrEP, the HIV prevention pill since the cuts. A former employee of a service provider said that some LGBTQ+ clients had expressed that they would rather forgo their medication than endure stigma and discrimination at public health facilities.

A student campus representative noted that the closure of affirming clinics had made it harder for queer students in the Braamfontein area to access care. Many now face long queues at Hillbrow Clinic, which is overburdened. “It will also impact their mental health,” she added.

A participant shared that a receptionist at another public health clinic was overheard loudly disclosing the HIV status of clients, and transgender patients were being routinely misgendered by staff. “It just makes you not want to go there anymore—you don’t want to deal with that,” she said.

A former client of a now-closed MSM programme agreed, saying: “Being able to get treatment in a welcoming, affirming space motivated you to return—and that’s a big thing.”

Poor Transition, Lost Clients

One former service provider said that when US funding was cut, little time was given to ensure a proper transition of clients to public health facilities.

“Client files were handed over to the Department of Health, but DOH is still struggling to locate many of the clients from the closed projects.”

Participants stressed the need for ongoing sensitisation of public health staff. However, one attendee warned that training must go beyond a checkbox exercise. “It must be an ongoing and meaningful intervention.”

Another added: “There’s no accountability, which is why sensitivity training doesn’t work.”

One speaker urged the Department of Health to employ LGBTQ+ staff in every public clinic to help foster trust and representation.

Trans People Hit Hard

A representative from Iranti highlighted the disproportionate impact of the funding cuts on the transgender community, stating:

“The funding cuts have worsened the experience of trans people trying to change their gender markers and access gender-affirming care. This has moved us backwards in so many ways.”

Another participant pointed to the disappearance of sexual health education tailored to LGBTQ+ communities. “The health messaging targeted at key populations has now just stopped—no one is doing that anymore.”

Concerns were also raised about queer foreign nationals who lack South African identity documents and may now be turned away from public clinics.

Participants further questioned how the Department of Health will reach those clients who previously relied on US-funded mobile outreach services.

Where Can Queer People Go Now?

The session concluded with participants recommending clinics that remain queer-affirming and accessible. These included:

• Crystal Park Clinic (Benoni)
• Hillbrow Clinic (Johannesburg)
• Alexandra Clinic
• Quadcare Clinics – private, queer-run, and affordably priced gender-affirming care
• U-Space in Braamfontein – a new service expected to launch soon

GALA’s Linda Chernis urged members of the community to share other resources, advice and recommendations by emailing joziqueershare@gmail.com and following the Joziqueershare Instagram account.

Despite the challenges, the workshop ended on a hopeful note, with the participants committed to advocating for access, dignity, and care in the face of funding cuts.