Picture: The LGBTQI+ members embark on a peaceful march
By OBAKENG MAJE
The LGBTQI+ members in Taung embarked on a peaceful march to create awareness. The LGBTQI+ chairperson in Taung, Segametsi Dichomi said, they established the organisation to raise their voices against any form of discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.
“We came together as LGBTQI+ activists to galvanise one another to form one nation. The aim was to fight discrimination and stigma against LGBTQI+ members within our society. So, we encourage our members to come forward as we promise to improve capacity building.
“We hope to achieve the sustainable results from this activity. On the other hand, our organisation realised that there is a prevailing negligence amongst some members of our society, which is a matter of concern. Our mission is to build a society, where every LGBTQI+ individual attains a social well-being, resulting in a high-quality life,” Dichomi said.
She further said, their goal was to deliver high-impact, cost-effective, culturally competent, and capacity-building programs for the LGBTQI+ community, in particular to the youth. Dichomi added that, they also aim to empower LGBTQI+ individuals by sensitising information against HIV/AIDS.
“We assist to improve self-esteem within the LGBTQI+ members and help the youth to engage in self-empowerment and poverty alleviation programs. We encourage and help where possible with skills and academic development,” she said.
The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) Special Programs Coordinator, Tebogo Morweng said, as the municipality, they support the LGBTQI+ community. Morweng encouraged LGBTQI+ members to come forward and ensure that they are well-represented.
“What the mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe did after ascending to the office, was to establish the LGBTQI+ forum amongst other things. So, we take this initiative very seriously and there is no way we can neglect the LGBTQI+ community. We want to send a clear message to the community at large to take the LGBTQI+ community seriously without any form of resistance.
“Each and everyone is important in front of God. We encourage LGBTQI+ members across Taung to find one another and spread love. We always encourage people not to work in silos, so that we can achieve the ultimate goal. We are expecting a program of action from the LGBTQI+ community and they must be seen. The Office of the Mayor is their point of entry if they experience any challenges,” he said.
The Health Promoter from the North West Department of Health in Greater Taung Sub-district, Keitumetse Landu said they are here to encourage LGBTQI+ members and the community at large to practice safer sex. Landu said they also educated the LGBTQI+ and community members on how to use condoms.
“As we know, the LGBTQI+ community is not supported enough, so we are here to educate them about different kinds of diseases such as STDs, HIV, and AIDS. We also provided them with lubricants. You’ll understand that dry sex can be risky during sexual intercourse as it exposes participants to diseases due to cuts that might be experienced.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Kgalalelo Ntlolokwane from Social Crime Prevention unit at Taung Police Station said: “As the South African Police Service (SAPS), we perpetuate any form of discrimination against LGBTQI+ members. We have a great working relationship with the LGBTQI+ community and promote social cohesion.
“Any form of violence against them is condemned. We have not received any complaints or hate crimes against LGBTQI+ members thus far, and we courage our community to continue to create a safer environment for them. We also encourage members from the LGBTQI+ community to report any homophobic sentiment they endure within the community.”
TaungDailyNews 