Who are we?

Vision and mission

The vision of the Pride Shelter Trust to support the LGBTQI+ community whilst advocating and protecting their human rights, dignity and psychosocial well-being through connected social networks, participative community involvement and consolidated support structures, especially during periods of crisis and trauma. This way all LGBTQI+ individuals and their significant other can feel validated, supported and connected in their journey through life.

In South Africa, LGBTQI+ recreational programmes, information guides and open resources remain limited, to which the implementation further shows limited progress. In some parts of the country, services for and to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (Queer Allies) and Intersex Plus (henceforth referred to as LGBTQI+) people are often inchoate or not openly available. This makes the execution in some areas of much needed services practically non-existent. However, like other marginalised groups, people who are LGBTQI+ need equal and unprejudiced support to access to programmes, spaces and resources. In recent years, society has become more tolerant in respecting but not accepting to LGBTQI individuals. However, the long-standing tradition of societal exclusion has vocalised ongoing concerns that the LGBTQI+ still do not feel as welcome, comfortable or safe even in communities and in their provided spaces. The LGBTQI+ community has been and continue to be marginalised, demeaned and subjected to inferior human rights advocacy followed by bullying and ridicule as they need to endure discrimination and violence.

At the Pride Shelter Trust, we foreground a more inclusive, humanistic approach to human engagement. This approach centralises the personal worth of all individuals, the centrality of human values and the consistent effort to dependably apply the affirming inclusive approach to policies and practices regardless of the marginalised groups. With the current pandemic and the easing of restrictions, the Pride Shelter Trust has been committed in their service delivery in training and support, throughout the lockdown period. Whether remotely we aim to accommodate those in crisis. The issue of continuity remains a key priority (even with strict rules and regulations in place and adhered to). The Pride Shelter Trust, during these periods ensured that services rendered to communities in the field of support, training and professional development continues.