The LGBTQI+ Community in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concerns over delays in the
implementation of more gender-affirming healthcare centres that were promised by the
KZN Health Department last year.
Bulelani Mzila, a gender non-conforming political activist and founder of the Isibani Civil
Society Forum based in Pietermaritzburg, said gender-affirming healthcare centres are
facilities that offer hormones, surgery, supportive psychosocial and mental health
services, and other procedures and services that affirm their gender identities.
Mzila said currently only Edendale hospital in Pietermaritzburg offers affirming
healthcare in the whole of KZN. This means that many trans persons outside of
Pietermaritzburg who seek to affirm their identity cannot access these services, or have
to travel long distances to access such services.
“We also experience stigma, discrimination and prejudice based on our sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics when we try to
access general healthcare and other services. This infringes upon our human rights to
dignity, equality and health,” said Mzila.
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Isibani Civil Society Forum 