Tembisa dialogue promotes acceptance and support for LGBTQIA+ community

Asikhulume Let’s Talk Gay, in partnership with Thato One Big Family LGBTQIA+ Society, NICRO, and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), hosted a gathering at Motsu Park in Thembisa on August 13 to raise awareness and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Bongani Mokgako, organiser and chairperson of Asikhulume Let’s Talk Gay, said one of the most impactful moments during the event was when a mother shared that having a gay child is not a bad thing.

Her story encouraged other parents and audience members to open up about having LGBTQIA+ children.

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“Parents and audience members learnt a lot and said they would share this knowledge with friends and family. Topics discussed included mental health and creating safe environments in the community,” Mokgako said.

He added that the event helped to break down stigma and promote acceptance, as many people were unsure how to treat LGBTQIA+ individuals or address them publicly.

“It showed the community that we are the same people; it’s only our sexual orientation that differs. Audience members commented that this event opened their eyes,” Mokgako said.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing curiosity and interest in future events.

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“Even church members were present and asked questions to better understand the LGBTQIA+ community,” he said.

Mokgako reflected on lessons learnt, noting that change for the LGBTQIA+ community will not come easily, but hosting awareness events can make a significant difference.

“In the future, we will involve the youth to share their experiences and concerns, invite more church leaders, and engage lawmakers, such as the Departments of Social Services and Justice,” he said.

The inspiration behind Asikhulume Let’s Talk Gay, he explained, was to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express themselves without fear.

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“Gay people face serious challenges. They face killings, rape, parental disownment, and health issues.

“My aim is to ensure their voices are heard and that they can be who they want to be. Every small impact counts,” Mokgako said.

Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, a CoE Women’s Directorate official, said their office works with vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, children, the elderly, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We partnered with Thato One Big Family to hold a dialogue on the complexities and discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.

Ngwenya said the event formed part of Women’s Month initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and promoting the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

NICRO representatives, including social worker Zanele Mandlazi, explained that their new programme focuses on psychosocial support and reducing stigma associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We aim to help the community understand the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and encourage acceptance,” Mandlazi said.

She can be contacted at 079 174 8350.

Candice Chirwa, representing Getting Informed, highlighted the organisation’s support services, including counselling, psychosocial support, and assistance for court appearances related to gender-based violence cases. She can be reached at 060 325 6168.

Makhosazana Buthelezi, founder and director of Thato One Big Family LGBTQIA+ Society, said the purpose of the event was to create a safe, open, honest, and respectful space for dialogue among people of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions.
“I thank the Tembisa community for their strong attendance and engagement with the queer community. We look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.