a guide booklet for public service providers released

By Nthateng Mhlambiso (BTM Senior Reporter)

 February 1, 2007: It is becoming a trend in South Africa for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organisations to abound publications addressing homosexuals’ issues.

Recently OUT LGBT Well – Being launched a resource booklet entitled Understanding the Challenges facing Gay and Lesbian South Africans, which is a publication aiming at assisting public service providers meet the needs of the LGBTI communities.

According to OUT – as the organisation is better known as, the gay communities in the country continue to experience discrimination and exclusion at healthcare centres and other public service centres such as police stations, courts, banks, just to mention a few.

“We need targeted programmes to ensure that service providers are equipped to deal with lesbian and gay clients in a manner that is on line with government policies of non-discrimination and the principle Batho Pele”, said OUT’s programme manager Melanie Judge.

She added that some harsh and homophobic attitudes in the public are a result of prejudice and lack of information. “The booklet we are launching hopes to address these service delivery challenges in a practical and accessible manner.”

The booklet contains research and case studies on experiences and issues faced by the sexual minorities in the country. It’s very informative and relevant on policy frameworks for service provision to gay people. It’s user-friendly in that it has practical tips for public service workers.

It also provides responses to frequently asked questions about sexual orientations, sexual identity and gender, and it has a list of LGBTI resources and referrals.

The booklet is available at OUT’s office in Tshwane and could also be viewed electronically at http://www.out.org.za/