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IThemba Lam Contacts

 
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We want to build relationships in the communities to create equality for LGBTI people. Are you interested in a partnership?

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IThemba Lam (My Hope) Project

       

In 2006 IAM opened the Centre to become a visible presence in the township of Gugulethu and surrounding townships. Through the Centre we hope to respond to the needs and challenges of gays and lesbians in the Xhosa speaking communities of Cape Town.

Why a project like IThemba Lam? 

The contextual reality is one of deep seated homophobia, prejudice, patriarchy and persecution of LGBTI people. This social prejudice and rejecting behaviour extends into congregations, and all too often pastors and clergy are either apathetic or themselves foster negative beliefs and attitudes. LGBTI people are often rejected by their friends and families, some even chased out of their homes. There is a very real threat of violence - support groups in Cape Town say they see 10 new cases of "corrective" rape every week.  And it's even more widespread around the rest of the country.  Many perpetrators of rape go unpunished in South Africa, but the situation is even worse for lesbian women.  Indeed, 31 lesbian women have been murdered in homophobic attacds since 1998, but in only one of these cases has there been a conviction. 

Purpose of the Centre: 

The centre will utilise all the programmes of IAM to: 

  • Provide a safe space and supportive base for LGBTI people for support meetings and worship meetings, where they are affirmed and empowered as persons loved by God.
  • Address the specific needs of LGBTI people of faith, with the focus on helping them to integrate God’s gift of faith with God’s gift of sexuality.
  • Provide a temporary shelter for vulnerable and threatened LGBTI people of faith.
  • Provide different training programs concerned with psychological healing and growth, as well as programs which enable economic independence.
  • Connect with sympathetic clergy with a view to developing opportunities for listening and respectful dialogue within congregations – promoting the healing of attitudes.
  • Help families of LGBTI persons to find healing and reconciliation.
  • Build alliances with other LGBTI organisations.
  • Provide food for destitute people in the neighbourhood.
 
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