Advancements in LGBTQIA+ rights in recent years went from being unimaginable to colouring the streets with Pride. But, as we celebrate Pride Month, we’re reminded of how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come and how far there is still to go.
Representation in media and pop culture have changed opinions to be more accepting, inclusive and open but the LGBTQIA+ community still faces marginalisation. We live in the digital age, where information is at our fingertips and for the LGBTQIA+ community, there is a rainbow of apps and online sites for members and allies to show their support.
THE TRIANGLE PROJECT
Based in Cape Town, The Triangle Project is a non-profit human-rights organisation that offers social and educational services to LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families and partners to better educate them about their basic human rights.
They seek to provide healthcare services, encourage community engagement and support, and advocate for the research into the queer community. They also have an active helpline, support groups, and offer counselling for whoever may need it.
OUT LGBT WELL-BEING
OUT is one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ organisations in South Africa. For over two decades, OUT has been a safe space for marginalised and vulnerable people in Pretoria. They offer free services across three regions, providing free healthcare services to the queer community through stigma-free HIV interventions, testing and treatment, and nurse aid through the help of their outreach teams.
OUT also runs the ‘Love Not Hate’ programme, which aims to combat hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people by providing support and education to communities, as well as lobbying government support to ensure the safety and dignity of queer South Africans.
HINGE
Open to the wider public, Hinge has marketed itself as the “Dating App Designed to be Deleted” and is the ideal platform for those looking for a long-term relationship. Hinge is great for presenting yourself in your own way; the more you say about yourself, the more likely you are to get liked.
It focuses on prompts, and the unique option to ‘like’ someone’s answers. Another bonus of Hinge is that it offers users the option to add a voice prompt to their profile, as well as to link your Instagram and Spotify accounts to your profile. The app is available for free download on iPhone and Android devices, and there is a premium subscription option that gives you access to unlimited likes and extra filters.
MAMBA ONLINE
One of South Africa’s only online–news–and–lifestyle platforms for the queer community, MAMBA Online provides information and a greater insight into the queer community in South Africa. It regularly publishes articles written by members of the queer community, as well as provides resources and information about events held for those who are part of, or in support of the LGBTQIA+.
THE FRUIT BASKET
Based just outside of Johannesburg, the Fruit Basket fights for the rights, safety and security of LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants living in South Africa. They advocate for the promotion of equal opportunities for queer individuals and provide them with basic needs like healthcare, food and housing. The Fruit Basket has made it their mission to provide comfort to individuals by creating a community in which they can thrive.
HER
HER is a dating app and chat room designed for “all lesbian, bi, queer, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming” individuals, and markets itself as an app “made for queers, by queers.” It works like most dating apps, where you can swipe left or right on profiles, you can describe yourself, what you’re looking for and, most importantly, your zodiac sign.
A unique feature of HER is its “Feed” section, which allows users with similar interests to start community conversations. Plus, HER allows users to choose from a list of inclusive pronouns to display on their profiles. The app is available for free download on iPhone and Android devices. But if you choose to purchase the premium version, you can go incognito, get unlimited swipes and live that ad-free life.
Compiled By Leah Dennis.
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images, Courtesy
