Local LGBTI group offers support and guidance
The Amanzimtoti-based organisation aims to promote an understanding while raising awareness about the LGBTI community.
AMANZIMTOTI’S first and only LGBTI community initiative and support group, Same Love Toti continues to offer support and guidance to LGBTI and their family and friends.
For years now, the group has reached many, spreading their word locally and throughout the Durban area.
The locally based LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) group has been offering support since 2011, when they started out as ‘Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians’.
“We aim to promote an understanding while raising awareness about the LGBTI community,” said founder, Kim Lithgow. “We hold monthly support groups, sensitivity talks at schools and with other groups in the community. We also offer telephonic support and peer to peer support.”
Same Love Toti embraces exclusivity and sees beauty in diversity, offering the LGBTI community and their family and friends a safe space to air their concerns while having any questions answered.
“We deal with homophobia and transphobia and the consequences,” said Kim. “Family division, suicide, depression, bullying, injustices and discrimination are some of the many cases we are faced with daily.”
“There’s nothing easy about ‘coming out’,” said Kim. “It’s difficult on the family and friends as well as the individual.”
If you’re interested in finding out more or need support with a personal situation, contact Kim Lithgow on 084-700-2536 or email at samelovefamilies@gmail.com.
Follow the support group’s Facebook page or on Twitter: @SameLoveToti.
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