There are a lot of challenges that are faced by the members of the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersexual, and Asexual) community, one of them being hate crimes. Members of this community are often harassed and violated because of their gender, by people who refuse to understand and accept them. Here’s how you can help in the fight against these hate crimes.

Help raise awareness

The LGBTQIA community faces discrimination and is often shamed for not being heterosexual (being attracted to the opposite gender). Their rights are often devalued and ignored due to the stereotypes held about gender roles in society. You can help change this by bringing awareness to the rights of the members of the LGBTQIA community by educating yourself and others about this community and by also joining safe spaces that promote and advocate for these rights, like the PFLAG South Africa. You can also join the PRIDE movement and help support and celebrate the LGBTQIA community.

Speak up against hate crimes

The lack of support and injustice when it comes to hate crimes makes it hard for victims to report being violated. Communities are still shaming those who are LGBTQIA, which is why it’s not easy for them to report hate crimes.

That’s why it’s important for you to speak up against hate crimes so that those who fall victim to them can feel safe enough to report being violated. Speaking up against hate crimes in your community can create a safe space for LGBTQIA members and allow them to know that they can reach out for help and that their rights are also taken seriously.

Call out those who shame and discriminate the LGBTQIA community

When your friends or family members shame someone for not being heterosexual or talk badly about other genders or forms of sexuality, it’s important to call them out on this. Hate crimes start with prejudice beliefs and words, which then lead to outright discrimination and violence. You may think it’s okay for someone to just make a joke about people in the LGBTQIA community, but it actually leads to greater issues. It’s also not okay for people to make jokes at the expense of someone else’s humanity and gender.

Where to get help for hate crimes

Triangle Project

The Triangle Project is an NGO that offers professional assistance and aims to make sure that the rights of those in the LGBTQIA community are protected. You can contact them by calling  021 422 0255 or by sending an email to info@triangle.org.za.

Love Not Hate:

This NGO assists victims of hate crimes by helping them to report hate crimes. You can contact them by calling 012 430 3272 or by sending an email to report@lovenothate.org.za. 

Discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation is wrong and contributes to hate crimes and violence, which is why it’s important for us to educate ourselves and bring awareness to this issue. If you’ve been a victim of hate crime don’t be ashamed to reach out for help, you have the right to seek justice. You can also use the #DoneWithSilence hashtag to speak up against hate crimes and bring awareness to discrimination based on gender. Making communities safe for all genders is everyone’s responsibility.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).