Working towards sexual diversity

Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 09:46

The Western Cape is home to the Pink Route, and the Mother City is still celebrated as the gay capital of the country. While many gay and lesbian tourists marvel at Cape Town’s tolerance of people of all sexualities, there is still much intolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people amongst South Africans themselves, especially in the townships and rural areas. Through education, advocacy and lobbying, the Cape Town based Triangle Project is working really hard at changing attitudes towards LGBT communities, in the Western Cape as well as the rest of the country.

The Project was founded just over three decades ago by GASA 6010, and it was initially only a small support group for gay white men. It now tackles diverse social issues confronting LGBT people of all races. The definition of sexuality is almost irrelevant to the organisation, which focuses on advocating human rights. The Triangle Project’s mission is to challenge prejudices targeted at communities that live outside the conventionally accepted norm of sexuality. The organisation has evolved and dramatically increased its scope of activities.

Deputy director of the Project, Marlow Valentine struggled with his own sexuality and the journey he took to disclosing his sexual orientation. His passion for working with communities resulted in him pursuing a degree in social science, and like the average graduate, he signed up to join corporate South Africa. Throughout his career his personal battles resulted in him working with organisations championing equality for homosexual communities; he was involved with the Metropolitan Community Church, for instance. Marlow’s corporate career ran its course, and he started working permanently in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) field. As deputy director of the Triangle Project, he mostly focuses on public education and training.

The Triangle Project also focuses on health and support, community engagement and empowerment, research and advocacy. The Project’s programmes are rolled out nationally, but Marlow emphasises that the real success stories are often the individuals and families who are empowered because of their involvement. He describes how the Project took in an eight-year-old transgender child and how it rebuilt the child’s confidence to re-integrate into society. He also talks about a Muslim woman who was given shelter because her family disowned her after she told them she is a lesbian. Often the Project becomes involved with groups living in certain areas. For instance, a group of gay men living in a Cape West Coast boarding school reached out to the Project as they were being persecuted and found no support from the school’s governing body. When a team from the Project tried to intervene, both the principal and parents blocked their attempts, accusing them of promoting homosexuality.

The murder and rape of black lesbians in the townships has been well documented, and the Triangle Project has become a central player in tackling what they view as a human rights violation. As South Africa struggles with an increase in social ills, inequality and job losses, Marlow argues that the steady rise in violence against women has also spilt over into an increase in violence against black lesbians. Consequently, the Project’s agenda is aligned with national campaigns including the 16 Days of Activism and Triple 7 that interrogate the root cause of human rights violations.

There are 13 Triangle Project therapists and psychologists working in the field, and as budgets are tight, the Project also relies on the services of volunteers. It has been able to extend its reach into the Cape Flats, townships and rural areas. Workers and volunteers immerse themselves in the communities and create safe spaces and support groups in schools, libraries and community venues.

In a country fraught with social challenges, it becomes the imperative of organisations such as the Triangle Project to champion the agenda of LGBT and intersex people. Without a single-minded focus, the drive for a non-discriminatory society is easily sidelined by the dominant discourse on social priorities. While the South African constitution recognises the rights of gays and lesbians, statements from Zulu King Zwelithini on the “un-Africanness” of homosexuality continue to hamper transformation efforts.

A close working relationship between the Project and the Western Cape provincial government has been at the core of the success they’ve had, Marlow says. Funding for the Project’s healthcare programme is channelled from the department of health, for instance. However, it is not all smooth sailing. One of the biggest hurdles has been to change the attitude of state workers.

Historically, the Triangle Project has sourced funding from the European Union, particularly the Netherlands. However, Europe’s protracted financial crisis is having a severe impact on the Project’s budgets and future sustainability. As a result, the organisation is increasing its efforts in working with local organisations to source funding and extend its reach. As one of the largest LGBT support organisations in South Africa, the Triangle Project has established itself as a leader in the field, yet funding remains a core challenge. The Triangle Project has taken significant strides in tackling prejudice, but with the organisation’s mission statement of “challenging homophobia, appreciating sexual diversity”, there are no doubt still strong winds ahead.

Triangle Project

Challenging Homophobia, Appreciating Sexual Diversity

Physical Address: Unit 29 Waverley Business Park, Dane Street, Mowbray 7700

Postal Address: PO Box 13935, Mowbray, 7705

Tel 021 4483812 Fax 021 4484089

Website www.triangle.org.za