We have witnessed an escalation in the number of cases of discrimination toward the
trans* community. Transgender and gender non-conforming pupils in South Africa have
experienced discrimination on the basis of their gender identities and find themselves
being ridiculed, taunted and shamed, often by those in positions of power.
In response to and addressing the issues of the trans* learners in schools, TIA
(Transgender and Intersex Arica) in partnership with Iranti-org will host a social
dialogue at national level on the issues affecting these pupils. The proposed dialogue is an
opportunity to promote visibility and transparency of the issues at hand, which in itself
can be educational and promotes diversity.
Furthermore, it will highlight the capacity needs of students, teachers, counsellors and
school governing bodies on homophobia and transphobia with a view to developing
concrete policies and actions on Sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI) in school.
The dialogue also seeks to create a safe space for engagement between government
departments, civil society, parents and learners.
The event includes a panel discussion with representatives from; Social Development,
Department of Education, Law Resource Centre, the Department of Education, (Parents of
the learners who are affected), South African Human Rights Commission, Commission on
Gender Equality and partner organisations (NGOs and CBOs) that work around issues of
SOGI.
We gladly inform your respective office about a social dialogue that will be held on the
20th of October 2014 at Constitutional Hill (Braamfontein) from 09:00 till 13:00. The main
objective of this dialogue is to discuss issues that affect the trans* learners in schools, as
well as to find out how the government departments addresses such issues
Your office is kindly invited to attend the dialogue and participate in the proceedings of
the meeting. It would be of great assistance if your office would have a representative
present at this meeting, to speak on behalf of your department regarding the issue at
hand and your work in addressing these.
Your response with regards is highly appreciated. We will be extremely thankful for your
valuable presence and participation in the dialogue. Contact:
Tshepang Magadenisa(TIA)
Admin and Communication officer
[email protected]
0127972612