During June, which is Pride Month, LGBT communities and their allies come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.

Despite recent legal and societal advances, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people across the world often experience prejudice in their neighbourhoods, at school and at home.

“LGBT individuals often face real threats in the form of harassment, victimisation and violence, as well as emotional trauma when their families reject them,” says Petrus Cloete, a senior administrative officer at the North-West University (NWU).

He says access to safe spaces where LGBT individuals can feel free to express their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear is important.

Gender awareness and inclusivity remain critical components of the NWU’s diversity focus. At the beginning of Pride Month, the university unveiled the NWU Pride Wall as a symbol of support for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Petrus believes diverse views foster innovative thinking and discussion, which may foster a culture of constructive challenge and responsibility. “Although we have made progress, there is still work to be done,” he says.