SONA 2023: Iranti says LGBTQIA+ needs to be included [video]

SONA 2023: Iranti says LGBTQIA needs to be included [video]Iranti supports the rights of LGBTQIA persons, with a specific focus on lesbian, transgender, and intersex persons in Africa.

by Keliah Daniels

09-02-2023 17:39

in LGBTQIA

Iranti says that Ramaphosa needs to include the LGBTQIA issues in the SONA tonight. Image: gettyimages

The organisation, Iranti wants Ramaphosa to include the LGBTQIA community in the Sona's 2023 goals.

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PRESIDENT FAILED TO ADDRESS LGBTQIA ISSUES LAST YEAR Last year, Iranti made an urgent appeal to President Ramaphosa to address issues facing the LGBTQIA at the Sona but he failed to do so, said the organisation.

Iranti supports the rights of LGBTQIA persons, with a specific focus on lesbian, transgender (including gender non-conforming), and intersex persons in Africa.

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Iranti acknowledges the efforts by Ramaphosa, but the organisation says there is more to be done for the LGBTQIA community's issues. They stated that the community needs the help of the highest office in South Africa, EWN reported.

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STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ORGANISATION Iranti issued a statement that points out the discrimination faced by LGBTQIA people. This includes issues around Legal Gender Recognition and Intersex Genital Mutilation.

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We're calling on the president to acknowledge our demands and commit state officials and state resources to ensure an end to discrimination and acts of violence against LGBTQIA people.

Read our #QueerSona statement and join us. #QueerSona #Sona2023 #Sona23 pic.twitter.com/Sx8drgE72u

Iranti (@irantiorg) February 7, 2023

In the past, President Ramaphosa has addressed issues around gender-based violence, femicide, hate crimes, and human rights violations taking place in South Africa, particularly brutal attacks on LGBTQIA persons, they stated.

While Ramaphosa has made efforts, Iranti says that the LGBTQIA community needs more.

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WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW We want the president to commit state officials and state resources to ensure an end to discrimination against LGBTQIA people, as told by our Constitution.

Ramaphosa's Sona address comes as the country faces various challenges. These include corruption, continuous load shedding, a deepening economic crisis, and many social issues.

The SONA is this week!

We want @CyrilRamaphosa to acknowledge our demands & commit state officials & resources to ensure an end to discrimination and acts of violence against LGBTQIA people.

Join us, share your #QueerSona #Sona2023 @PresidencyZA pic.twitter.com/nVcrYZfZN6

Iranti (@irantiorg) February 6, 2023

When President Ramaphosa addresses all three arms of the State and the rest of South Africa on 9 February 2023, we want to be included. We want our voices heard. We want to be addressed as part of South Africa, said Iranti.

ALSO READ: SONA 2023: Where, when and how to watch the Address

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LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/lgbtqia/sona-2023-iranti-says-...
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