History of GLN

GLN was founded 16 years ago, in 2003. Initially, they focused on Pietermaritzburg’s LGBTI community, and on creating safe, social spaces where there were none. From around 2007, the emphasis shifted to a more mixed and developmental approach, which emphasised:

• Creating an Enabling Environment (advocacy and influencing, including work with religious leaders, and other key influencers);
• Community Outreach, to multiple areas of KwaZulu-Natal (incorporating safe spaces, community building, organisation strengthening, and various skills programmes); and,
• Health (with a strong focus on HIV prevention and care, but not excluding other community health issues).

The organisation grew organically until we numbered over 20 staff by 2016. In developing the organisation’s strategy, a rights-based approach of marginalization was applied. Three key strategic areas of focus were identified to mainstream support for the LGBTI community. Target groups include the LGBTI community and their immediate families; service providers and stakeholders (i.e. Schools, police and media); Public institutions; and the greater KwaZulu-Natal and Midlands region.