Beyond Zero commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in Tlhabane, Rustenburg on Friday the 17th May by joining multitudes of organizations and UN agencies across the world reminding governments and its leaders of the commitment made to uphold all human rights for all people. Beyond Zero understands that the realization of human rights for all people including the LGBTQI+ people is an integral part of achieving universal HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
Beyond Zero’s Human Rights and Advocacy and Key Populations programmes, stands as a powerful catalyst for encouraging open conversations and actions against gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, discrimination, and stigma by raising awareness, advocacy, and fostering dialogue. During the commemoration both programmes intended to empower Key and Vulnerable Populations (KVP) by ensuring they have unhindered access to healthcare, protection of their human rights, and the opportunity to enjoy social well-being as an integral part of the community.
The IDAHOBIT commemoration was a multifaceted event preceded by a peaceful 5km walk by over 1 500 participants from Olympia stadium to Tlhabane Police Station where a memorandum reflecting human rights violations of the LGBTIQ+ people in the Bojanala District was handed over to the Station Commander. The walk proceeded to Tlhabane stadium where services such as HIV care and treatment, TB screening, STI screening and human rights violations screening and recording were offered to attendees. Attendees were also exposed to educational and exhibition stalls where they were given information and sensitized on the Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), transgender and human rights programme and other partners services who were present at the event.
In her address, Ms. Steve Letsike the SANAC Co-chairperson said, with the Deputy President delivering key message on the IDAHOBIT 2024 on behalf of South Africa clearly this signals the commitment of the country. There is no place for homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in SA or anywhere else in the world.
She further read the message of support from the Deputy Minister of Justice that made emphasis that Government is still acutely aware of the discrimination and prejudice that LGBTIQ+ people still face and in celebrating progress made, government remains ever vigilant and committed to addressing challenges still being faced.
The event guests’ speakers included Margaret Maropefela CSF chairperson in the North West province, Mr. Nathi Sohaba the SANAC TSU lead, Ms. Margaret Mokgothu from the PCA, the Rustenburg Executive Mayor Shiela Mabale-Huma.
Beyond Zero stands with LGBTIQ+ people everywhere who are facing stigma, discrimination, and hate. We call upon our government and support its efforts to ensure an effective empowerment of LGBTIQ+ persons and effective implementation of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.