Dear Campus Community

There was a time, not too long ago, when I, along with millions of people around the world, was characterised as mentally ill or psychologically abnormal. Our “condition” was listed in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases, which contributed to many people like us undergoing psychotherapy, behavioural conditioning, hormone-based interventions and medical conversion practices.

We were subjected to harassment, violence, abuse and exclusion — labelled as “other”. Despite this, we, the LGBTQIA+ community, continued to fight for our place in society and contributed meaningfully to the world we live in. Decades of activism, scientific research and pressure from LGBTQIA+ rights movements, mental health professionals and human rights advocates culminated in one of the most historic milestones for the LGBTQIA+ community on 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. This led to other significant changes, such as the removal of “ego-dystonic sexual orientation”, a category referring to distress about one’s sexual orientation.

This signified a critical turning point for LGBTQIA+ communities internationally. It helped challenge decades of stigma and, importantly, weakened the justification for harmful medical and psychiatric treatment aimed at changing sexual orientation. It also contributed to broader legal and social reforms, including anti-discrimination protections in some countries. Here in South Africa, the shift became especially significant after democracy, as constitutional protections for equality and dignity increasingly aligned with global human rights developments.

Today, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) joins the global community in observing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Observed annually on 17 May, IDAHOBIT commemorates the decision by the World Health Organization in 1990.

Despite progress in law, many LGBTQIA+ persons continue to face violence and prejudice because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. In South Africa, members of LGBTQIA+ communities are still victims of hate crimes. They are bullied, discriminated against in workplaces and schools, and face barriers to healthcare, family rejection and social marginalisation.

As an institution shaped by the struggle against apartheid, UWC understands the importance of challenging systems, attitudes and behaviours that marginalise people for who they are. Our commitment to transformation, therefore, compels us to foster a campus culture where diversity is respected, inclusion is actively pursued, and every person is affirmed in their humanity and dignity.

IDAHOBIT calls on us to move beyond passive acceptance towards active allyship. Building a truly inclusive society requires empathy, education and the courage to confront intolerance wherever it appears — whether in our institutions, communities or everyday interactions.

As we mark this important day, I encourage our campus community to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ persons, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equality, justice and human dignity.

UWC's Gender Equity Unit’s Loud Enuf programme will host the InterVarsity Social: Bring Your Queerness at the Gender Equity Unit from 12:00 to 16:00.

The official programme will begin at 13:00 and will feature opening remarks from a range of speakers, followed by social activities including a short film screening, games and karaoke.

For more information, please contact the Gender Equity Unit on 021 959 3488 or email Loud Enuf at loudenufgeu@gmail.com.

For more information about IDAHOBIT, visit https://may17.org/.

Kind regards

Prof Robert Balfour
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
University of the Western Cape