Government commemorates International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

17 May 2021

South Africa joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia under the theme “Together: Resisting, Supporting and Healing”.  Government calls on everyone to play their part to ensure the safety of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community. We call on all sectors of society to oppose any form of violence committed against LGBTQI+ persons.

In 1990, on this day, the World Health Organisation took a firm stand to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases opening a gateway to equal rights and inclusion.  

The South African Constitution which celebrates its 25 Years anniversary provides for equal rights to all who live in South Africa. The Bill of Rights reaffirms that the State may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone irrespective of race, gender, marital status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or cultural background.  

Government reaffirms its commitment to protect the rights of all who live in South Africa. Members of the LGBTI+ community are equally protected by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. 

This commemoration builds on existing measures to educate and raise awareness amongst the public.  It is also used to reflect on progress that has been made by the National Task Team on Gender and Sexual Orientation Based Violence Perpetrated Against LGBTQI+ Persons which was established to protect and address concerns of the LGBTQI+ community.

As we commemorate this day the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said: “Government will stop at nothing until the realization of an equal society that protects lives and livelihoods of all especially the most vulnerable members of society is achieved.”

She further said “The National Strategic Plan On Gender-Based Violence and Femicide remains relevant as a multi-sectoral, coherent strategic policy and programming framework that coordinates a national response to the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide which also affects the LGBQTI+ community.” 

Government will continue to do all it can to provide a safe environment particularly for the marginalised members of society and create a conducive space to ensure their full economic participation in the development of the country. As a society we all have a responsibility to exercise tolerance, respect for each other. 

Enquiries:
Nonceba Mhlauli Ministry Spokesperson 
Cell: 072 623 3462 

Issued by: Government Communications