If you’re not a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and you want to be an Ally, you may feel uncomfortable asking questions or afraid that your questions may come across as insensitive. Fortunately, it’s 2022 and there’s a wealth of information available if you know where to find it.
Udemy
Good for: An overall understanding of the community, including definitions, acceptable language and how to be supportive
In this hour-long course, Lara Louise – who identifies as lesbian – provides an overview for anyone wanting to learn about the LGBTQIA+ community, answering the questions you may be too afraid to ask.
Triangle Project
Good for: Parents of LGBTQIA+ people
In addition to offering health and mental health resources for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the Triangle Project also provides support for parents looking for guidance on how best to support their children. Their booklet Could My Child Be Lesbian Or Gay? is a valuable resource for parents.
South African Human Rights Commission
Good for: Understanding what different terms mean
The South African Human Rights Commission protects the rights and dignity of all South Africans. In their We Are All Human booklet they explain what that means for the LGBTQIA+ community in terms of the constitution and outline the challenges the community faces. They also provide explanations and definitions of acceptable terms.
The Other Foundation
Good for: In-depth, reliable research and information around matters affecting LGBTQIA+ people’s lives in southern Africa
The Other Foundation helps secure financial support for groups and individuals working to further the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in southern Africa. They also conduct research around the community’s experience in the southern African context and the dynamics around factors such as race, poverty, and inequality which are at play in the region.
Sonke Gender Justice Do No Harm
Good for: Learning what the letters stand for
Sonke Gender Justice works with numerous organisations across a number of areas in the course of their mission to advance gender justice and end gender-based violence, among other objectives. This deck, aimed at religious leaders, provides an “LGBT 101 Queer Community Introduction”, explaining the different members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Outright International
Good for: Learning about LGBTQIA+ symbols
You probably know that the LGBTQIA+ community is associated with a rainbow flag, but did you know that there are many different flags, representing different parts of the community? Among other resources, Outright International has a guide that explains the history of flags within the community, plus what they all mean.
LGBT+ Management Forum
Good for: Managers, Business owners, HR personnel, EE Forum members and anyone looking to create safe spaces in their working environments
“The Forum” works with companies to create safe working spaces where LGBTQIA+ staff members can show up as their authentic selves and fulfil their potential. Every two years they release the South African Workplace Equity Index (SAWEI) which rates applicants against a set of strict criteria and helps them identify their strengths as well as their development areas. Vodacom is currently rated gold – the highest tier. They also have free resources available for download.
Equaldex
Good for: Finding out the state of LGBTQIA+ rights and freedoms in different countries around the world
Equaldex rates countries’ degree of equality based on numerous factors, ranging from whether homosexuality is legal or not to whether members of the LGBTQIA+ community are permitted to donate blood, adopt a child or serve in the military. South Africa has the highest score on the African continent.
OUT LGBT Well-Being
Good for: Up-to-date information on the human rights violations faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in S
One of the oldest LGBTQIA+ organisations in South Africa, they provide health services, human rights services and training and also campaign for equality and inclusion. They also publish a monthly report of human rights violations, highlighting the dehumanising challenges faced by many members of the LGBTQIA+ community as they simply try to go about living their lives.
Mamba Online
Good For: News and insight into the LGBQTIA+ community in SA
An online news and lifestyle platform for the LGBTQIA+ community that also includes information and resources, such as this article looking back on the history of Pride Month in South Africa.
Some more sites of interest
