Petition to Protect Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth in South Africa

A new petition calling for evidence-based care and support for transgender and gender-diverse youth in South Africa has garnered significant backing from over 150 medical and mental health professionals, activists, and organisations across the country.

The petition, started by Cape Town-based Clinical Psychologist Jenna-Lee de Beer-Procter – has already been signed by more than 2,000 supporters and continues to grow.

It highlights the need for urgent, compassionate action to ensure that young people can explore and affirm their gender identity without fear or discrimination.

The Change.org petition emphasises the constitutional rights of these individuals to live authentically and with dignity, and it pushes for better access to healthcare and psychological support services across the country.

A Call to Action for Inclusivity and Compassion

The petition calls on all South Africans to stand in solidarity with transgender and gender-diverse youth, recognising that gender diversity is a fundamental part of the human experience. It stresses that allowing young people the freedom to explore and express their gender identity is crucial to their overall well-being.

The signatories argue that affirming these identities is not only a matter of human rights but also essential for ensuring that these young people can thrive and contribute to society.

South Africa, a nation founded on the principles of Ubuntu, equality, and justice, has a responsibility to protect these vulnerable groups, the petition asserts. It urges the government, healthcare providers, and society at large to act in the spirit of the country’s Constitution, which promotes dignity and freedom for all citizens.

The Need for Evidence-Based Care

Central to the petition is the demand for improved access to evidence-based care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. This includes equitable access to psychological support, medical care, and safe spaces where young people can explore their gender identity without fear of prejudice or exclusion.

The signatories note that many areas of the country, especially in rural regions, still lack the resources necessary to provide this care, creating significant barriers for those seeking support.

The petition also condemns the conflation of transgender identities with harmful stereotypes and misinformation perpetuated by anti-gender movements.

The signatories call on healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers to resist this global trend and to instead promote accurate, informed, and compassionate approaches to care.

Prioritising the Voices of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

A core message of the petition is the importance of centring the voices and experiences of transgender and gender-diverse youth in all decision-making processes. Their insights, the petition argues, must shape the policies and practices that directly affect their lives.

It also advocates for stronger collaboration between young people, their families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring that decisions made are developmentally appropriate and fully informed by the needs and aspirations of the youth.

Standing Up Against Historical Injustices

The petition further draws attention to the legacies of colonialism and apartheid, which erased pre-colonial understandings of gender diversity and contributed to health inequalities that persist today.

By supporting evidence-based care for transgender and gender-diverse youth, the petition suggests that South Africa can begin to redress these historical wrongs and build a future that honours the full spectrum of human diversity.

With support from medical experts, activists, and members of the public, this petition sends a clear message: South Africa must do more to protect and support its transgender and gender-diverse youth. The signatories believe that this is not only a moral imperative but also a vital step in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

To read the petition and add your support, click here.