Gender DynamiX is committed to a programme of support for all transgender people. To this end, they have set up support groups, including a parent support group for the parents of transgender people; a trans woman support group; and a safe space for masculine identified youth.  SOFFA and trans men support groups are also on the cards.
Creating a safe space for masculine identified xx youths between the ages of 16 and 25 is the aim of the Siyahlangana support group run by Gender DynamiX Outreach Officer, Tebogo Nkoana.
Tebogo explained that Siyahlangana challenges some of the behaviour of butch lesbians and other masculine identified xx bodied youths - such as aggressiveness and alcohol and drug abuse.
“Male identified lesbians and trans men see such behaviour as proof of their masculinity. They tend to drop out of school as a result of their rough lifestyle. At Siyahlangana we promote a healthy lifestyle and teach a way of earning respect from the broader community,” Tebogo said.
He added that at the meetings they talk about challenges experienced from peer groups, specifically looking into gender concepts and challenging patriarchal behaviour.
In addition, Siyahlangana raises awareness around transgenderism and work towards creating a good relationship between lesbians and trans men by creating understanding and trying to breach the differences and sharing the commonalities.
The Siyahlangana group meets on the first Friday of each month at the GDX walk-in centre, Saartjie Baartman Centre, Klipfontein Road, Manenberg. Tebogo can be reached at 021-633 5287, ext. 2040.
'Boys will be boys and they want to talk about “rude” things. FTM's need a bit more encouragement to do so, i.e. talk about their bodies and things relating to treatment. We need a Trans men’s Support Group", says Robert Hamblin, Deputy Director of Gender DynamiX. "Hormone treatment brings about radical change in our bodies and personalities. Often that comes with anxiety. Sharing experiences with peers helps with this – and it’s free”, Robert said.
“Trans men need to have a network of men that understand the issues that an FTM goes through in the world, so that we can call one another when we are in trouble. We could also offer one another resources when planning to make our fortunes,” Robert added laughingly.
Contact Robert at Gender DynamiX on email
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or send an sms to Robert at 083 226 4683.
The Trans women’s Support Group was started because there is a specific need for trans women to share experiences, explains Caroline Bowley. “There are issues specific to Trans women which need to be addressed,” she added.
The first meeting was held in April 2010 The dates of future meetings will be confirmed.
The Parents Support Group was initiated as a support and information-sharing opportunity for parents of transgendered children. This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Gender DynamiX offices.
Gender DynamiX also wants to start a SOFFA support group for Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies.
For information on these groups, contact Caroline by email on
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or on tel. 021-633 5287.
Gender DynamiX works nationally, and to further their services supports other LGBTI organisations which also host monthly support groups. Triangle Project in Cape Town and OUT LGBT Wellbeing in Pretoria are two such examples. GDX is currently supporting groups in rural and isolated areas such as Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga and Umlazi, KZN to have their meetings on a more regular and formal basis. These efforts take some time though, as Outreach Officer Tebogo needs to visit the local areas a few times.
In Siyabuswa the community expressed the desire to meet monthly. In a recent visit, Tebogo and Robert assisted them and gave guidance on how to continue monthly support groups. They will go back in October to offer further assistance.
For information on these groups, contact Caroline by email on
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or on tel. 021-633 5287.
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