Bridging the LGBT Divide: Realizing Human and Socio-Economic Rights for Gay and Lesbian People in South Africa
A Dialogue Co-Hosted with The Atlantic Philanthropies
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 in New York City

The Synergos Institute, in partnership with the Atlantic Philanthropies, is pleased to invite you to a dialogue on with representatives of the South African Joint Working Group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) Organisations.

Our guests and speakers from South Africa will include:

  • Ms. Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director, Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre
  • Mr. Dawie Nel, Director, Out LGBT Well-Being, Tshwane/Pretoria
  • Mr. Gerald Kraak, Head of Office, the Atlantic Philanthropies, South Africa

    • Background

    Historically, the LGBT community in South Africa has suffered a history of officially sanctioned exclusion, discrimination and marginalization. The advent of democracy in 1994 and the adoption of the new Constitution opened up a new world of opportunities to reverse this historical pattern of inequality and indignity. The inclusion of the equality clause in the Bill of Rights (Chapter 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996) marked a momentous victory for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered South Africans. This constitutional protection is among the most progressive in the world outlawing discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation.

    Individuals and public interest law organisations have used the courts to fight LGBT discrimination. Landmark judgements have decriminalised same sex conduct and provided for the establishment of full citizenship for gays and lesbians in the workplace, the military and police and in civic life. In late 2005, the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled in favour of same-sex marriage and required the government to enact enabling legislation by the end of 2006.

    However, these constitutional victories and protections are way ahead of public thinking and often open hostility to equality. Discrimination, homophobia, human rights abuses and unequal access to resources and opportunities continue to adversely affect gay and lesbian people. Even among the more privileged white and middle class communities, abuses and discrimination are still common. In disadvantaged African communities that make up more the majority of the population, sexuality is seldom discussed and diverse sexual identities are rarely tolerated. In some instances the outward expression of sexuality has led to extreme violence, rape and murder. This makes it difficult for lesbians and gays to come out and express their sexuality in positive ways.

    In social and economic terms, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation further inhibits the possibilities for LGBT people from historically disadvantaged communities to escape the structural poverty and alienation that affects a majority of South Africans. Much needs to be done to address the fundamental needs of the LGBT community in South Africa, to realize their rights and to promote their opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Even more effort is required to secure the rights of LGBT people in the rest of Africa where homosexuality is typically criminalized and punishable by harsh penalties and imprisonment.

    The LGBT Sustainability and Partnership Building Initiative, a joint initiative of The Atlantic Philanthropies, Hivos (Netherlands) and The Synergos Institute, works with member organizations of the South African LGBT Joint Working Group to build the capacity and effectiveness lesbian, gay bisexual and trans-gendered community in South Africa. With a particular focus on outreach to historically disadvantaged communities, the initiative aims to take advantage of the rights and obligations guaranteed in the Constitution. In particular, the project aims to promote more effective leadership, networking and partnership building; improved resource mobilization and sustainability planning; and better communications, lobbying and advocacy capacity.

    Details/To Participate

    RSVP to Rowena Sison at rsison@synergos.org/Tel: +1 646-963-2160/Fax: +1 212-447-8119

    Tuesday, October 17, 2006
    12:00 to 2:00 pm (a light lunch will be provided)
    The Synergos Institute
    51 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor
    New York City