The Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQIA+) community in Philippi is appealing to the community to accept and treat them like the rest of the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are blaming some sections of society of marginalising them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Linda Ntlanga-Siwela, founder of Philippi LGBTQIA+ Umbrella Organisation, said it is time for the community to accept them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Siwela stated that as the LGBTQIA+ community they were not safe. He claimed they were being bullied and attacked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation is a non-profit organisation which is based in Philippi and its advocates the rights of LGBTQIA+ community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want the community to recognise and respect us. They must stop bullying and harassing us. As an LGBTQIA+ community we are not going anywhere. We are here to stay,\u201d said Siwela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stated that their rights were enshrined in the constitution. He said many people died silently because they feared to be disowned by their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany people are scared to disclose sexuality because they are afraid of being victimised by their families and society at large. Being gay or lesbian has nothing to do with changing your sexuality but is all about sexual feelings. I am a gay and I am still a man as well. I\u2019m not a woman,\u201d said Siwela. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lambasted the country\u2019s justice system and accused it of not taking their cases seriously. He said there are many pending cases that are involving LGBTQIA+ community members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been raising awareness to educate the community about us. We are trying so hard to be involved in some of the activities that are happening in our communities so that people can see us. But we are still attacked verbally and physically by people who know us. In most cases, we are not attacked by strangers. We are attacked by people we are staying with,\u201d he stated, adding that he is Philippi Section 3 Community Policing Forum treasurer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Siwela urged the community particularly men to stand up and say not to harass, attack and killing of LGBTQIA+ community members. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQIA+) community in Philippi is appealing to the community to accept and treat them like the rest of the 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