Human Rights Office, Projects and Progress

Free Gender

Free Gender is a black lesbian organisation based in Makhaza, Khayelitsha; the largest and fastest growing township in Cape Town. The organisation was founded in 2008 and they have since participated in various protests, political meetings and guest talks at academic and public forums. As human rights defenders, they also support transgender and intersex persons within the community.

Their vision is to have a community which is non – discriminatory, accepting and tolerant. One where homosexuality is understood and there is space to be open without being scared.

Free Gender fight to oppose all forms of violence and hate speech to develop a safe space and promote the safety of LBTI.

Free Gender fight for justice on behalf of victims of “corrective rape”, an awful hate crime which is becoming a huge problem in South Africa. The perpetrators of these crimes are rarely brought to justice with court cases being postponed over and over and the crime not being taken seriously by the justice system. Free Gender picket outside magistrate courts when such cases are due to be heard, they interact with local police forums and conduct research on perceptions of homosexuality in the townships.

Volunteers help to develop systems that will ensure that there is accountability from all sides in such cases of corrective rape, especially Civil Society. If this topic is of interest, you will be able to work alongside Free Gender, be involved in marches and picketing, carry our research or help them to develop programs to initiate change and raise awareness of this awful crime.

Click here to read about the first conference on corrective rape hosted by Free Gender