South Africa: Safe spaces start with me

Many face rejection from their families, bullying at school, barriers to healthcare and limited opportunities to participate fully in community life. The consequences can be severe, leading to poor mental health, interrupted education, unemployment and fear of expressing one's identity openly.

Recognising these challenges, TransHope launched the Safe Spaces Start With Me programme to create communities where LGBTQIA+ people can live with dignity, equality and hope. Built on the belief that lasting social change begins with individual action, the initiative works to foster environments where everyone feels respected, valued and safe.

Led by Community Officer Nobuhle Ndlela, the programme combines support groups, community dialogues, school awareness sessions, family engagement meetings, rights education, psychosocial support and advocacy campaigns. It also connects participants with healthcare, legal and social services while working alongside schools, healthcare providers, community organisations, local leaders and government stakeholders to challenge harmful stereotypes and strengthen community support systems.

When the programme began, many participants arrived carrying feelings of isolation, anxiety and uncertainty. Some had been rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Others had stopped attending school due to bullying or avoided clinics and healthcare facilities because they feared discrimination. Many believed they had nowhere to turn for support. Over time, those experiences began to change.

Through regular support groups and safe-space dialogues, participants found opportunities to share their experiences without fear of judgement. In the process, many developed stronger self-esteem, a greater understanding of their rights and a renewed sense of belonging.

One participant described the transformation: “Before joining the Safe Spaces Start With Me programme, I felt alone and ashamed of who I was. I was afraid to speak openly because I feared rejection and discrimination. Through the support groups and community dialogues, I found people who accepted me without judgment. Today, I am proud of who I am, I know my rights, and I have the confidence to advocate for myself and others. This programme gave me hope when I needed it most.”

The impact extended beyond individual participants. Families who had previously struggled to understand their LGBTQIA+ children began engaging in conversations about sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Through educational workshops and community dialogues, many developed a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion. In several cases, relationships that had been damaged by rejection were rebuilt on foundations of acceptance, respect and unconditional support.

Schools also became important partners in the process. Awareness sessions helped educators better understand the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ learners and encouraged schools to take a more active role in addressing bullying and discrimination. As a result, learners reported feeling safer and more supported within educational environments. Healthcare providers who participated in the programme similarly strengthened their commitment to non-discriminatory service delivery. Participants reported increased confidence in accessing HIV services, mental health support and other healthcare because they knew where they would be treated with dignity and respect.

One of the programme's most significant achievements has been the emergence of new community leaders. Individuals who first attended sessions seeking emotional support have gone on to facilitate discussions, mentor peers, participate in advocacy campaigns and educate others about human rights and inclusion.

As Nobuhle Ndlela explains: “Every safe space we create becomes a foundation for hope, healing, and leadership. True transformation happens when people no longer have to choose between their safety and their identity. Safe Spaces Start With Me reminds us that lasting change begins with each of us choosing inclusion, dignity, and humanity every single day.”

These changes were not achieved through one-off awareness campaigns. They resulted from sustained engagement, relationship-building and collaboration. Participants were supported through mentorship, referrals to services, rights education workshops and leadership development opportunities. Community members, parents, teachers, healthcare workers and local leaders were encouraged to become active partners in creating more inclusive communities.

Evidence of the programme's impact includes participant testimonies, attendance records, photographs, monitoring reports and feedback from families and community members. Participants have not only gained confidence and knowledge but have also become advocates who actively support others facing discrimination and exclusion.

A programme participant who now serves as a peer supporter highlighted the value of that journey. By learning about LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, mental wellbeing and strategies for responding to discrimination, they developed the skills and confidence needed to help others navigate similar challenges.

Looking ahead, TransHope remains committed to sustaining and expanding this work. The organisation recognises that LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face significant challenges, including growing anti-gender narratives and resistance to inclusion efforts. As South Africa prepares for World Pride in Cape Town in 2028, TransHope expects these challenges to intensify, making community-based advocacy and education more important than ever.

The organisation's focus will be on strengthening community power, supporting policy change and continuing to empower LGBTQIA+ people, particularly young people, to understand and advocate for their rights. By equipping communities with knowledge and leadership skills, TransHope aims to ensure that change is owned by the people most affected.

The success of Safe Spaces Start With Me demonstrates that when people are given the opportunity to heal, connect and belong, they gain the confidence to lead. Through dignity, inclusion and collective action, safer communities are not only possible, they are already being built.