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Municipal LGBTQIA+ Help Desk supports Queer and Trans Imbizo

Meeting the Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis are on left Khanyisile Fortuin, Special Programmes & Project Coordinator for George Municipal Social Development, and on her right Gita November, Health Advocacy Officer for Gender Dynamix

Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis met with Khanyisile Fortuin, Special Programmes & Project Coordinator for George Social Development, and Gita November, Health Advocacy Officer for Gender Dynamix, to promote participation in this week’s Queer and Trans Imbizo which culminates in a Pride Parade and evening entertainment scheduled for Saturday, 7th September, at Rosemoor Stadium. Two days of workshops will feature Dr. Nicole Chillimagras and Elliot Kotze, two medical practitioners specializing in gender-affirming healthcare. Their services are commissioned by Gender Dynamix, Africa’s leading organization for the transgender and gender-diverse community, as part of efforts to bring gender-affirming healthcare to local primary care facilities.

The George Municipal Social Development LGBTQIA+ Help Desk, established in May 2022, has grown significantly in its ability to assist the community. Through the Reactors Programme, facilitated by Gender Dynamix and the Social Health and Empowerment (SHE) Organization, the Help Desk offers psychosocial support, advice, and referrals for those facing human rights violations.

Services offered include one-on-one sessions with social workers, monthly support group meetings, referrals to safe spaces, human rights advocacy, ongoing education on rights and safe sex practices (including sensitization training and condom distribution), visibility in the community, and community outreach to assist those in need of advice or support. The Help Desk also supports special events such as Pride Month in June, Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, and World AIDS Day. A key upcoming event is the Queer and Trans Imbizo at Rosemoor Stadium on Saturday, 7th September.

For more information, contact the Community Development Section at 044 802 2000 or visit their offices at the corner of Varing and St. John’s Streets.