Gender sensitive terminology to be translated for local communities

POLOKWANE – Some stakeholders of the LGBTQIA+ community in Capricorn would have wanted to see the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) hold hearings publishing a gender terminology booklet as planned.

Processes are underway to launch the booklet in XiTsonga, Tshivenda and Sepedi in order for the local communities to understand terms such as ‘queer’ and ‘asexual’ in local languages.

“We would appreciate an understanding of what is included in the books so that we can give our input and address the challenges together,” said Capricorn Ignited LGBTQIA+ general manager, Lebogang Monama.

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Monama says they are satisfied by the support offered by the commission in the form of these booklets which will clarify narratives of the broader spectrum of sexuality.

They say Limpopo is a predominantly rural province where cultural roots are still embraced, making it difficult to create awareness about the community.

“Provisions of such documents will solidify our advocacy work and help reach more communities in a local language. We are pleased to receive such support,” they added.

The commission launched the terminology booklet in IsiXhosa in the Eastern Cape on August 29, bringing the available number of gender booklets to four including Sesotho, Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa.

Some members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to be bullied and verbally abused through the use of derogatory terms.

The commission’s acting head of public education and information, Rabbuh Raletsemo said the project aims to adcovate for gender equality through the incorporation of gender sensitive terminologies.

The booklet will eventually be made available in all nine languages.

“The booklet will be made available free of charge on the commission’s website,” he added.