Organisation spreads love in Amanzimtoti
Kim was prompted to create the organisation after she noticed the alarming number of youth who were depressed and suicidal after being rejected by their families and communities.
Creating an inclusive South Africa, where gender non-conforming individuals and people with diverse sexual orientations can live safely, without fear of discrimination, is the vision of Kim Lithgow.
She is the founder of an organisation which focuses on just that. In 2012, Same Love Toti was created and has bloomed into a haven for members of the LGBTQI community. Kim was prompted to create the organisation after she noticed the alarming number of youth who were depressed and suicidal after being rejected by their families and communities.
“I wanted to provide the youth, their parents and community with reliable information. Most people think there is a choice and it is wrong, however, the World Health Organisation has stated that it is normal, natural and neutral. At our meetings, we provide people with the right information. They are well-attended meetings where we educate the youth and their parents. This allows them to create a bond and a better understanding. Parents often reject their children and we want to change that.”
The organisation also offers counselling for transgender individuals as well as activism in the community, religious institutions and schools.
ALSO READ: Same Love Toti offers private counselling
“Sensitivity in classrooms is also essential. This eliminates bullying and allows us to educate the public better. We do face a lot of challenges; it’s hard to get the word out. There are also so many cases of discrimination within our community. Last year, there was an incident where a boy was assaulted at the beach for being gay. People do not know enough and we hope to create that dialogue. Our mission is to inform and empower LGBTQI and fight for their equality, dignity and freedom to live authentically. All religious and faith-based communities have LGBTQI members who deserve safe, appropriate and affirming spiritual care, as opposed to the spiritual and psychological harms caused by conversion therapies and ideologies.”
“People are welcome to contact us for more information. LGBTQI or their parents or any other interested persons. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are not meeting in person, but we are still available online on WhatsApp. If anyone can assist with our website and online presence, so we can reach more people and better inform the public, we would appreciate it. Your assistance helps to curb depression and suicidal tendencies in LGBTQI youth, and keeps families together by providing evidence-based information to parents,” she said.
To donate to the organisation use the following bank details: FNB, Same Love Toti, account number: 6269 1198 470.
For more information, email samelovetoti@gmail.com or call 084-700-2536
ALSO READ: Support for Same Love’s #InMyTown campaign
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