Bridging Tradition and Inclusion: LGBTQIA+ Dialogue in a KwaZulu-Natal Village

In the quiet rural stretches of Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, a powerful initiative is bringing together local community members, traditional leaders and LGBTQIA+ activists to reshape what inclusion looks like, one conversation at a time.

On 12 July 2025, an impactful community dialogue was held in eMgundweni village, hosted by Newcastle Prideful Legends (NNPL) together with Parents, Families & Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ), and community partners, in collaboration with local Chief Mabaso.

The event marked a shift towards fostering mutual understanding, human dignity, and LGBTQIA+ visibility within traditional communities.

The seeds of this initiative were sown in March 2025 during a parent engagement session hosted by NNPL. According to Katleho Mahlobo, Deputy Director of NNPL, the gathering aimed to raise awareness about the lived realities of LGBTQIA+ people in Utrecht, with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing.

“In March, we hosted a parent engagement session that focused on raising awareness about the lived realities of the LGBTQIA+ community in Utrecht, with a particular emphasis on mental health and overall wellbeing,” Mahlobo shared. “Discussions highlighted the deep impact of stigma, substance abuse, and socio-economic challenges not only on queer individuals, but on both young and old in the community.”

Far from being met with resistance, the response from parents and elders was overwhelmingly positive. The session ignited a communal call for action, prompting a planning meeting that brought together the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, SAPS, the Women’s Forum, and local senior citizens.

There was consensus that future interventions must begin in the most underserved rural areas, where access to affirming resources remains critically limited.

This momentum culminated in the July community dialogue at eMgundweni, a rare but vital gathering that united traditional leaders, parents, youth, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those who are intersex and transgender, in an open and respectful space.

The participants explored several topics, including unpacking and clarifying concepts such as sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and constitutional rights. It was also an opportunity for trans and intersex people to share their stories with the community.

“The primary goal was to create a safe and respectful space for honest conversations between traditional leaders, parents, youth, and LGBTQIA+ individuals,” Mahlobo said. “We believe that by fostering understanding and sharing lived experiences, we can begin to dismantle stigma and build bridges between culture, tradition, and human rights.”

What makes this initiative especially significant is the partnership with Chief Mabaso, a traditional leader whose openness to engage on matters of identity and inclusion is paving the way for change. His involvement has been hailed as a courageous and visionary step by NNPL and PFSAQ.

In a heartfelt message to the community, Chief Mabaso shared: “What makes me happy is that even if I leave this world, I will leave a bright light behind—it will be up to them to keep it burning.”

The long-term vision extends far beyond a single event. “This is not a one-off,” emphasised Mahlobo.

“Through this dialogue, we hope to spark a lasting shift, one where LGBTQI+ people are seen, heard, and valued within their communities. In the months ahead, we aim to strengthen collaboration between clinics, SAPS, social workers, and faith leaders to ensure LGBTQIA+ persons are supported, protected, and treated with dignity.”

The July gathering represents not only a bold step towards cultural transformation in rural communities but also a deep commitment to the spirit of Ubuntu, affirming that all people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, deserve to belong.

The message is clear: true community healing begins when we listen, learn, and lead together.