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About ESGM
Eswatini Sexual & Gender Minorities.
A community-based human rights organisation, and the first membership-based LGBTI organisation in Eswatini.
Our mission
To advance the protection of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and to reduce harm that affects the well-being of Emaswati because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Our vision
Social cohesion in Eswatini, where LGBTI persons attain full rights and social well-being, resulting in a high quality of life for all.
Our approach
A fresh approach to activism.
ESGM was founded to take the queer rights movement beyond the politics as we understood them.
We take an active approach to improving the right to a decent life for sexual and gender minorities in Eswatini. We help LGBTIQ movements move away from complacency, fear and personality politics, towards a fresh approach that supports, represents and empowers all Swazis who define themselves as sexual and gender minorities.
For activism and advocacy to be effective, ESGM takes an inclusive approach. LGBTIQ people are positioned differently in a traditional and conservative system, and some are more vulnerable than others. This understanding informs our mission and mandate: every identity under the LGBTIQ banner is given its own importance.
Through dialogue, education and awareness, we work to increase acceptance of LGBTI people in their families and communities. Through advocacy and engagement, we tackle the challenges they face every day. Our goal is laws and policies, local and national, under which LGBTI people can assert their rights openly.
What we do
From the clinic to the courtroom.
We work to reduce the harm that affects the well-being of Swazis because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Policy
We facilitate change and the development of new areas of policy, to tackle unmet health and human rights needs and respond to emerging needs in our communities.
Advocacy
We lobby for equality and the recognition of basic human rights for all, at every level of governance, with specific emphasis on LGBTI persons.
Opinion leaders
We engage parliamentarians, editors, journalists and religious leaders, and push for attitudes and policies in line with the constitution.
Psychosocial support
Support and referrals to trusted care for community members.
Lobbying & advocacy
Pushing for equality where decisions get made.
Health commodities
Essential health supplies, free of charge.
Legal & policy reform
Laws and policies that protect everyone.
Education
Understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Economic empowerment
Entrepreneurship and income support, like our LBQ Entrepreneurship market days.
What we stand for
Our values.
Inclusivity
The freedom to be, and to live your life without oppression.
Diversity
We honour the full range of sex characteristics, sexual orientations and gender identities.
Equality
Rights, not exceptions. There is no asterisk on equality.
Accessibility
Our spaces, services and information are open to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Meet the people behind ESGM.
Read how ESGM began, and meet the Board of Directors who guide our work.