Chairperson of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organisation Committee (Epoc), Xolile Dzanibe says they were invited by the department to find a way to work hand in hand with the department.
Dzanibe adds the challenge was all LGBTIs from different regions are not under Epoc so it makes it difficult for the department to communicate with the LGBTI community at large.
According to Dzanibe they have been given 30 days to form an LGBTI council which does not only cover Kwatsaduza but the whole of Ekurhuleni.
“Some of the challenges that were discussed at the outreach was the discrimination and intimidation shown by nurses towards lesbian women in clinics” says Dzanibe.
In his conclusion he says femidoms and dental dams were also discussed to be distributed to local clinics.
Founder of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organisation Committee, Ntsupe Mohape says she is delighted Epoc has been elected as a representative for the new LGBTI council which will be formed in 30 days.
According to metro spokesman, Themba Gadebe there has been a growing number of reported cases of human rights violations and discrimination towards Ekurhuleni residents who are part of the LGBTI community.
Gadebe adds the outreach programme was designed to emphasise a zero tolerance approach to discrimination and re-enforce the understanding of human rights openly and speaking about HIV/Aids risks.
He says the department saw a need to open a dialogue with the community and address issues of correctional rape, homophobia, sexual health and discuss preventative measures to stop the spread of the virus.
