Triangle Project

Triangle Project, founded in 1981, is one of South Africa's oldest and largest LGBTQIA+ human rights organisations, and the only one in the Western Cape dedicated entirely to the health, wellbeing, and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people. For over four decades they have been providing direct services, building community, challenging discrimination, and holding the state accountable for the rights and safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities across the Western Cape.

This organisation is especially relevant to you if you are an LGBTQIA+ survivor. Violence, hate crimes, corrective rape, family rejection, and discrimination are realities faced by LGBTQIA+ people at disproportionate rates — and mainstream services are not always equipped, trained, or safe enough to meet your needs. Triangle Project exists to change that.

Their dream is a South Africa where organisations like Triangle Project are no longer necessary — because LGBTQIA+ people are fully free, safe, and equal. Until then, they are here.

What They Offer LGBTQIA+ Survivors

Counselling and Psychosocial Support Triangle Project provides individual counselling and psychological support for LGBTQIA+ people dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, family rejection, discrimination, abuse, and more. Their counsellors are specifically trained to work within LGBTQIA+ realities and will never ask you to justify or explain your identity.

Helpline The Triangle Project helpline (021 712 6699) operates every day from 1pm to 9pm — a free, confidential, LGBTQIA+-affirming space to talk, receive crisis support, or get referred to the right services.

Court Support for Hate Crime Survivors If you have experienced a hate crime — including corrective rape, sexual violence targeting you because of your identity, or assault — Triangle Project provides dedicated court support. They help you navigate the justice system while advocating for your case to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Sexual Health Clinic Triangle Project's on-site health clinic offers HIV counselling and testing, HIV screening and ARV treatment, PrEP and PEP access, management of STIs, chronic illness management, and home-based and palliative care. The clinic also offers hormone therapy support and a needle and syringe programme. All care is delivered in an affirming, judgement-free environment.

Trans Community Support Groups Triangle Project facilitates three transgender community support groups meeting monthly — safe spaces for trans individuals to connect, share, and support each other. They also maintain a close partnership with Gender DynamiX for trans-specific resources and navigation.

Parent and Family Support If you are a parent or family member of an LGBTQIA+ person and are trying to understand and support your loved one, Triangle Project offers guidance and resources to help families become more loving and affirming spaces.

Rural Western Cape Safe Spaces Triangle Project has established LGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces in rural communities across the Western Cape — recognising that LGBTQIA+ people outside Cape Town often have even fewer places to turn. These spaces provide community, support, and local connection.

Community Solidarity Spaces Triangle Project's Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme (CEEP) supports LGBTQIA+ groups across the Western Cape to build their own Solidarity Spaces — community-driven hubs for gathering, sharing, advocacy, and activism. If you want to connect with your local LGBTQIA+ community, contact Triangle Project.

Policy and Advocacy Triangle Project actively researches, advocates, and submits policy briefs on LGBTQIA+ issues — working to change the systems and institutions that continue to fail LGBTQIA+ people.

Triangle Project is free and open to all LGBTQIA+ people and their families. The helpline (021 712 6699) is available 1pm–9pm daily.