Make a queer difference in Mandela Month

The LGBTQI+ community is filled with people with big hearts. How can you make a difference in your community?

July is the birth month of Nelson Mandela. It’s a celebration of the global icon with a focus on charity, support and giving. Many South Africans – and global citizens – use the month to dedicate a minimum of 67 minutes to charity work; in memory of the 67 years of Nelson Mandela’s service to the public.

While Mandela Month and Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July) are wonderful opportunities to highlight various causes, consistently bringing awareness and supporting a cause brings long term changes to the organisation.

Question is, when there are so many fantastic causes to choose from, who do you ultimately end up supporting? We found three LGBTQI+ specific organisations for you to consider this Mandela Month.

1. Iranti

Based in Johannesburg, Iranti is a media-based advocacy organisation. Their focus is primarily on trans, intersex and lesbian individuals, however, they do provide broader support to the LGBTQI+ community as a whole. They are strongly involved in raising the profile of the LGBTQI+ community in the media and stand against any form of violence towards LGBTQI+ people.

To find out how you can help them, click here.

2. OUT LGBT Well-being

OUT is one of the longest standing LGBTQI+ organisations, having been formed in 1994. The group is dedicated to raising the health and wellbeing of the queer community and providing access to stigma-free HIV testing, treatment and prevention. They also work to eliminate hate-crimes towards LGBTQI+ people and provide legal and counselling support to those affected by such crimes.

To find out how to donate to OUT, click here.

3. The Pride Shelter Trust

So many young queer folk have faced the reality of having nowhere to go – often after coming out to their families. The Pride Shelter Trust provides a safe space for vulnerable LGBTQI+ individuals The project exists to provide LGBTQI+ individuals with a sense of dignity, self-respect and self-empowerment. They are based in the Western Cape.

To find out about their work here and how to support them, click here.

Charity also begins at home, so remember to be kind to yourself, too. We wish you a happy Mandela Month!