The Gauteng LGBTIQA+ homeless community continue to suffer a double trauma at shelters due to the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s failure to consider their needs and provide adequate support.
In her response to the Democratic Alliance (DA) question at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, mentioned that members of the LGBTIQA+ Community are currently covered in shelters in Gauteng. However, the MEC failed to acknowledge the necessity of having specific shelters for the LGBTIQA+ community.
This negligence is not only concerning but also indicates a lack of care and awareness of the unique challenges faced by members of this community within our current shelter system in Gauteng.
If we lived in a tolerant society where everyone is treated equally and fairly and safety is ensured, it would be possible to blend LGBTIQA+ members and non-members.
Unfortunately, Gauteng has seen a growing trend of hate crimes, intolerance, and violence targeted at members of the LGBTIQA+ community. This should make it clear that the current shelters cannot guarantee the safety of those who identify as LBGTIQA+.
Many people in these shelters experience additional trauma as a result of their sexual orientation. Therefore, adopting a mainstreaming or ‘one-size fits fall’ approach, as suggested by MEC Mazibuko in her response, is a recipe for disaster.
The DA proposes that the MEC consider the idea of having specialised shelters for the LGBTIQA+ people in Gauteng. These shelters would be safe havens for homeless and abused members of the LGBTIQA+ community, allowing them to seek support and services freely.
A caring DA government will work quickly to ensure more shelters are built, resourced, and equipped. We will further convert the six abandoned buildings donated to GDSD by the Department of Public Works into shelters to benefit the most vulnerable persons in our province.
The DA will continue to advocate for people affected by domestic abuse, economic hardship, and homelessness as a result.