Queer Voices Unlocked (QVU) is inspired by Accountability Lab’s Integrity Icon campaign, honoring exemplary public servants by naming and faming them. QVU spotlights exceptional LGBTQI+ public servants championing positive change, breaking down barriers, and advocating for inclusivity. Celebrating their unwavering commitment to Queer rights, these role models tirelessly work towards visibility and representation at all levels of the public service. Our five winners, spanning diverse government departments, are featured in documentary films and podcasts. Led by and for the Queer community, this project aims to inspire people, foster understanding, and promote LGBTQI+ rights, leading to a more inclusive society.

Why are we doing this? We aim to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of these Queer public servants in breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusive rights. These individuals serve as role models of integrity, working tirelessly to address homophobia and transphobia in a context that can be unsafe for members of the Queer community. They protect and advance LGBTQI+ rights by making queer voices heard and initiating conversations about queer experiences in the workplace. We hope to inspire others, encourage understanding and acceptance, and contribute to a substantially more fair society.

The campaign also helps people understand that one’s sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t affect job performance or integrity. It also provides crucial role models for younger LGBTQI+ professionals who may be climbing the public service ladder. We’re working to ensure that our winning Icons will become beacons of hope and prove how important it is to create safe, inclusive spaces for all in the public service.

​​We invited nominations from Johannesburg, the West Rand, Sedibeng, Pretoria, and KwaZulu-Natal, to find five outstanding queer public servants from different departments. Our winners are Nhlanhla Fiona Thabatha from Social Development, Thandeka Jwaha and ​​Sphiwe Given “Bird” Nonyane who work in Healthcare, Lehlohonolo Hloni Mosana from the education sector, and Siyanda Monageng, from the office of the premier in Gauteng. Over the past six months, we’ve worked with young, Queer storytellers to create documentary films and podcasts about our winners and the issues they face. We hope these stories initiate conversations about rights and visibility in the workplace. ALSA partnered with the GALA Queer Archive and Constitutional Hill on this campaign, which is supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives in South Africa. 

View our selection of Podcasts and Films.

Read more in the Daily Maverick, Mamba online and City Press.

Deekay Ndoni