Maluka Cleo, Wellness Centre, Karabo Sands, CUT FM Programming Manager, Tankiso Moea, Chairperson Gabien Student Organisation: CUT, Siyanda Magayana, Senior Officer, Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice: UFS, Buti Bungalipeli, Unit for Institutional Renewal and Transformation: CUT.

On 23 July 2024, the Institutional Renewal and Transformation Unit (IR&T), in partnership with Wellness Center, held an LGBTQIA+ panel themed ‘Reflecting, Empowering, and Uniting Our Communities’.

The panel highlighted the importance of social cohesion and coexistence between LGBTQIA+ people and the broader community. It also provided platform to further discuss the issues and traumas that the global pride community faces, as well as the challenges encountered both internally and beyond the borders of the university.

Experienced activist, Akhona Komeni of Free State Rainbow Seeds emphasised the value of these kinds of engagements in creating awareness among people who aren't familiar with pride community challenges. He said that people frequently cite religion and culture as justifications for their discomfort over their sexual orientation. “To prevent offending others, we should inquire for the correct acronym rather than identifying someone based solely on their orientation. We need to create safe spaces for those who are different from us.”

Siyanda Magayana, Senior Officer for Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice: University of Free State, deliberated on the significance of gender equality and the discrimination faced within communities. 

"People often misunderstand that issues within the lesbian and gay population extend beyond sexuality as there are also issues related to gender identity. Everyone should feel comfortable with themselves and seek education.” stated Magayana. 

Concerns were voiced by students from both campuses about institutional forms that only offer binary gender options. They complained that there was no "other" option, which leads to confusion regarding their acceptance.

A request was made to the university management to look into the possibility of establishing a Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office on campus.