As we commemorate Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual) organisations have highlighted the challenges faced by the community, while two members of the LGBTQIA+ community have shared their journeys.
IN A NATION celebrated for one of the world's most progressive constitutions, the lived realities of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ community tell a different story.
Brian Sibeko-Ngidi, the director of Uthingo Network (formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Network), said South Africa had one of the most progressive constitutions in the world and was the first country in Africa to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
He said, however, there remained a significant gap between legal protections and lived realities.
Sibeko-Ngidi said the LGBTI+ community continued to face hate crimes and violence including physical assault, sexual violence, and murder.
“They also face family rejection and homelessness, particularly among LGBTQIA+ youth. Bullying and discrimination in schools and universities are also of concern, while there is also workplace discrimination and barriers to employment.
“There is also stigma within healthcare settings, which can discourage people from accessing essential health services. Online harassment, hate speech, and misinformation is a major problem,” he said.
Sibeko-Ngidi said that in recent years, there had been growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people in some sectors of society.
However, he added that there had also been a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric globally, often linked to organised anti-rights movements.
“South Africa is not immune to these trends. Social media has amplified hateful narratives. Many LGBTQIA+ people report feeling increasingly targeted by misinformation and moral panic campaigns. The prejudice may not always be more visible in public spaces than before, but it has become more organised and more vocal in some sectors.”
Sibeko-Ngidi said the impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals who experienced discrimination and violence, could be devastating.
“Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, social isolation, suicidal thoughts, loss of self-esteem, and difficulties trusting others. Some lose access to education, employment opportunities, housing and family support.”
He added that fear remained a daily reality for many LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa.
“Many individuals constantly assess whether it is safe to hold a partner's hand in public, express their gender identity openly, come out at work, school, or within their family, and access health care without facing discrimination.
“Living under these conditions creates what psychologists refer to as ‘minority stress’ – the chronic stress experienced by people who belong to marginalised groups. The consequences can include anxiety and depression, social withdrawal and isolation, lower self-esteem, substance misuse as a coping mechanism, iIncreased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and difficulty building healthy relationships and support systems.
“Research consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ people experience better mental health outcomes when they are accepted, affirmed, and able to live authentically. Conversely, rejection and discrimination can have severe and lasting consequences,” he said.
Sibeko-Ngidi said equality on paper was not enough.
“While South Africa's Constitution protects the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, true equality can only be achieved when these rights are respected in homes, schools, workplaces, places of worship, healthcare facilities, and communities. No one should have to choose between their safety and being themselves.”
He said LGBTQIA+ people were not asking for special rights.
“They are asking for the same dignity, safety, respect, and opportunities that every person deserves. Diversity has always been part of South Africa's story. Building a society that values everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics, strengthens our democracy and our humanity.”
Sibeko-Ngidi said his message to the LGBTQIA+ community was to remember, “you belong”.
“Your identity is valid, your life has value, and you deserve to live openly and safely. While prejudice and discrimination still exist, there are organisations, allies, families and communities working every day to create a South Africa where everyone can thrive. You are not alone, and your visibility and resilience continue to inspire positive change for future generations.
“The struggle for LGBTQIA+ equality is not only an LGBTQIA+ issue. It is a human rights issue, and the responsibility for creating a more inclusive society belongs to all of us,” he said.
Daniel Chettiar, founder of the DSK Group, a non-profit organisation, said hate, discrimination and crime against the LGBTQIA+ community had grown over the years.
“You would think that in 2026, society would be more open-minded and acce…
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