South Africans Show Growing Acceptance of LGBTI People, Yet Challenges Remain
A recent report from the Other Foundation, based on the Human Sciences Research Council’s South African Social Attitudes Survey, reveals a clear shift in public opinion toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals over the past decade. The study, released on Friday, draws on a nationally representative sample of 3,285 respondents aged 16 and older surveyed between 2015 and 2025.
Who Identifies as LGBTI in South Africa?
According to the Admission Reserved report, approximately 5.3 % of South Africans aged 16 and over – about 2.39 million people – identify as LGBTI. This figure provides a baseline for understanding the size and underscores the importance of inclusive policies.
Changing Attitudes Toward Same‑Sex Relations
Publication of the community within the country’s diverse population.
Trends in Public Opinion (2015‑2025)
The survey tracked several key indicators:
- Belief that sexual relations between two adults of the same sex are “always wrong” fell from 66 % in 2015 to 52 % in 2025.
- Support for same‑sex marriage rose from 37 % to 45 % over the same period.
- A majority (58 %) now agree that gays and lesbians deserve the same rights as everyone else; similar levels of support were recorded for bisexuals (57 %) and transgender people (57 %), with the highest endorsement for intersex individuals (68 %).
Public Expression of Support
More South Africans are voicing their allyship:
- 17 % reported having publicly expressed support for a gay, lesbian or bisexual person in 2025.
- 27 % said they had not yet done so but might in the future.
- For transgender individuals, 9 % have spoken out publicly, while 30 % indicated they could do so moving forward.
Persistent Gaps in Awareness and Safety
Despite improving attitudes, awareness of violence and harassment remains low:
- About 50 % of respondents did not view violence or harassment against LGBTI people as a problem in their communities.
- 6 % admitted to having insulted a lesbian, gay or bisexual person, with another 6 % saying they might do so in the future.
- 2.5 % acknowledged causing physical harm to someone because of their sexual orientation, and 1.9 % reported harming a transgender person.
Linkages to Broader Patterns of Hostility
The analysis uncovered a correlation between regressive views on LGBTI issues and negative attitudes toward immigrants. Respondents who admitted to harassing or harming immigrants were more likely to report similar behavior toward LGBTI individuals. The Other Foundation cautions, however, that this relationship should not be overstated; many who support LGBTI inclusion still hold prejudices against foreign nationals.
Expert Commentary
Neville Gabriel, CEO of the Other Foundation, emphasized the dual nature of the findings:
“This research is important because it shows how much has changed, but also how much remains at stake. At a time when rights and protections are under attack in many parts of the world, civil society must remain vigilant.”
His statement underscores the need for continued advocacy, legal safeguards, and community education to translate growing acceptance into tangible protections.
What This Means for South Africa
The data illustrate a nation in transition: while a growing share of the population embraces equality and expresses support for LGBTI peers, substantive challenges persist—particularly around violence prevention and the intersection of various forms of discrimination. Policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations can use these insights to target interventions where they are most needed, fostering a more inclusive society for all South Africans.
