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Our Projects: South Africa


EMBRACING DIVERSITY

Ekurhuleni Pride Organizing Committee (EPOC)
Johannesburg, South Africa

GO Campaign was motivated to act after reading the Los Angeles Times article of the April 24, 2011 brutal murder of Noxolo Nogwaza, a mother of two, lesbian activist and tragic hate crime victim. GO is partnering with EPOC, the small grassroots LGBTI organization in the township of Kwa-Thema where Noxolo lived, to fund a tolerance building and awareness campaign geared toward addressing the harassment of gay and lesbian students in school, provide support to LGBTI youth as well as providing care to Noxolo's recently orphaned 4 year old daughter Lindiwe and 7 year old son Sipho.

The goals of this program are to:

1. Address the issue of bullying of gay and lesbian students in school
2. Promote tolerance amongst youth
3. Coordinate care for Noxolo's two children

2 Ways to Give!


or


Fundraising goal: $7,884

Your donations can provide the following:

$20 Monthly cost of groceries for Noxolo's children
$35 Sponsorship of seven students' participation in the tolerance program
$65 Annual schools fees for one of Noxolo's children
$150 Documenting testimonies of young victims of hate crime



Lindiwe (left) and Sipho (right), orphaned after the
brutal attack and murder of their mother.

WHY SOUTH AFRICA


According to its laws, South Africa is one of the most progressive countries regarding diversity issues particularly in regards to gay rights. South Africa's post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. On December 1, 2006, South Africa became the fifth country in the world, and the first in Africa, to legalize same-sex marriage. Although the legal system in South Africa theoretically ensures equality, social acceptance is generally lacking, especially outside of urban areas. Human rights activists have noted an increase in the homophobic attacks across the country. Exclusion and targeted victimization are everyday realities in many communities. Lesbians in particular are under constant threat of being attacked and subjected to "corrective rapes." The situation is particularly dire for youth who are victims of bullying and harassment at school not only threatening their safety but impacting their ability to learn.