This Organization Fighting for LGBT Rights is Being Backed by the Commonwealth Foundation

Iranti-Org is one of the few organizations in South Africa that is helping members of the LGBT community, especially trans, lesbian, intersex and gender non-confirming individuals, use the media as a means to mobilize behind various movements. Although South Africa has progressive laws when it comes to the rights of the LGBT community, the rates of femicide, gender-based violence, rape and violence towards queer people remain alarmingly high. Recently, the Commonwealth Foundation has partnered up with Iranti-Org and granted funding to them as part of an effort to support at least 400 transgender and intersex people to fight against stigma, discrimination and advocate for the increased protection of their rights.

Speaking about the partnership in a press statement, Jabulani Pereira, the Director of Iranti said that, "The support from the Commonwealth Foundation will enable us to collectively address trans and intersexphobia." Pereira added that, "Trans and Intersex persons need legal protection and increased access to health care."

Commenting on their move to financially back Iranti-Org, Dr Anne Therese Gallagher, the Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation said that, "International and national laws affirm that all persons are entitled to their basic human rights, regardless of difference. This grant is a recognition by Commonwealth Foundation member states of the need to fight violence—and challenge discrimination—wherever it occurs."

The Commonwealth Foundation will reportedly support the organization for a period of four years.