Homophobia widespread in Eastern Cape
LGBTI community takes a stand against violence against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
The research findings on the IRR’s November 2017 fast facts report revealed that violence against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTI) community is most common in the Eastern Cape.
According to the report, some provinces demonstrated much more hostility towards the LGBT community than others – LGBT people in the Eastern Cape are three times more likely to be punched, hit, kicked or beaten than in other provinces.
Research analyst Gerbrandt van Heerden notes that education can play a key role in shifting people’s perspectives on sexuality in a more positive direction.
“People with a tertiary education in Africa are almost three times as likely to be tolerant towards homosexuals as people who have no formal education.
“A progressive constitution coupled with an education system that reinforces the value of that constitution can go a long way in promoting tolerance and acceptance of the LGBT community.”
Although South Africa boasts one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world, discrimination and violence against the LGBT community remain rampant, according to the report; Four out of ten LGBT South Africans know of someone who was murdered for being or suspected of being part of the LGBT community.
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Also read: South Africa’s education crisis at a glance
Black LGBT people are twice as likely as white LGBT people to know of someone being murdered on these grounds which partially explain why only half of the black respondents are completely open about their sexuality. Despite the alarming findings of homophobia positive trends were also identified in South Africa.
– Almost 80% of LGBT people have indicated that they have not experienced any discrimination by a healthcare provider.
– More than two thirds (67%) of South Africans surveyed have indicated that they would strongly like, somewhat like or not care about living next to homosexuals.
– A slight majority of South Africans (51%) agree that the Constitution should provide protections for lesbian and gay people compared to 29% who disagree and 16% who neither agree nor disagree.
– Six out of ten South Africans disagree that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex should be criminalised.
Fast Fact is a monthly report which provides detailed insight and commentary on major trends, as well as updates on several hundred socio-economic indicators.
