George Municipality hosts LGBTQIA+ summit to advance healthcare, legal recognition and safety
At the LGBTQIA+ summit in George are from left,Social Workers, Megan Wolhuter and Siyanda Mtshotana from the Department of Social Development and Khanyisile Fortuin form George Municipality Community Development LGBTQIA+ helpdesk.
George Municipality hosted its second annual LGBTQIA+ Summit, a full-day event that brought together civil society, government departments, and community members to reflect on progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The programme featured keynote addresses from a trans activist and government officials, followed by breakout sessions focused on gender-affirming healthcare access, legal gender recognition, and gender-based violence and safety. Delegates reported back on their discussions before taking part in a plenary session with government stakeholders and civil society partners. The summit ended with the collaborative drafting of a feedback statement, “How Far Are We?”, which was presented at the George Pride Imbizo on Saturday. Dr Juliana van Jaarsveld, Clinical Manager, Mosel Bay Sub District, Department of Health gave a progress report on identifying community needs, acceptable patient care through inclusivity and destigmatisation as well as training being done in the form of gender affirming workshops and more.
Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis highlighted that the summit grew from the Municipality’s LGBTQIA+ Help Desk, created to provide a platform for dialogue and solutions to community challenges. “Pararades and celebrations have its place, but it is important that we move beyond to tackle the issues impacting daily lives. This summit is about finding solutions together,” said Von Brandis. She thanked Kanyisile Fortuin from George Municipality’s Community Development section for her commitment to driving this work.
Fortuin added that the summit brought together the departments of Health, Home Affairs, Social Development, Education, SAPS, Gender Dynamics, Legally Youth, and other key partners to address pressing issues. In the public health sector trans people are on waiting lists of up to 25–30 years for gender-affirming surgeries. Fortuin said up until now there is a need for the department of Home Affairs to address delays of up to three years for gender marker and name changes, which prevent many from travelling, accessing services, or fully participating in society.
The summit focused on breaking down systemic barriers, improving access to healthcare and legal recognition, and ensuring that every resident can live with dignity and authenticity, Fortuin said.
Cllr Melvin Roelofse, MMC for Community Development, Libraries, Sport and Customer Services, closed the event, encouraging participants to continue working together.
Photos:
Ndivhuho Jasmine Malimagovha, trans-activisit and local student addresses the summit on Friday at George Civic Centre Banquet Hall.
Leah Claasen from Gender Dynamics addresses the summit.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis at the summit.