​17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The day seeks to raise awareness of the human rights violations of the LGBTQIA+ community and promote interest in LGBTQIA+ issues.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Gender, Youth and Disability(GEYODI) Mainstreaming Directorate and Victim Empowerment Programme commemorated the day by hosting a webinar for all department officials, stakeholders, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

(GEYODI) Mainstreaming Director, Leonie Van de Merwe, opened the event by highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ persons including hate crimes, rejection from family, inadequate healthcare and a loss of education and employment opportunities.

These trainings will continue in the new financial year, with the department also committing itself to collaborating with and supporting LGBTQIA+ organisations. The department also has an Employee Health and Wellness programme which offers psychosocial services to staff members and their immediate families regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Virginia Magwaca, an employee from the Office of the Premier under the LGBTQIA+ directorate spoke on the continued challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ workers in the workplace.

Despite the constitution of South Africa protecting the rights of the community, LGBTQIA+ persons still face discrimination, harassment and microaggressions in the workplaces in the form being denied employment or promotions because of their sexual orientation or the way they present themselves. 

Magwaza called on government departments to become LGBTQIA+ friendly. She further recommended inclusion of access to gender-neutral bathrooms, LGBTQIA+ friendly workplace policies, and administrative documents that accommodate LGBTQIA+ persons.