The Gay and Lesbian Network (GLN) is a registered non-profit organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. GLN has been operational since 2003 and in this time has done pioneering work with primarily young, unemployed and marginalized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people living in and around KwaZulu-Natal.

The Network started out in response to the need for LGBTI’s to have a safe place where they could meet and socialize, as no such spaces of facilities were available in Pietermaritzburg. From these beginnings it has developed into a fully functional NGO that offers a wide range of programmes and services to the LGBTI community. The organisation also works with the broader community to create a more enabling and welcoming environment, in which LGBTI’s can access services and be treated with respect and without discrimination or fear of violence.

The organisation has a staff of six and a core of committed volunteers who contribute to every aspect of the Network’s programmes including counselling, training, event organizing and general office support. Policies and procedures are in place governing the work and finances of the organisation and it is governed by Board who meet on a quarterly basis.

In developing the organisation’s strategy, a rights-based approach of marginalization was applied. Three key strategic areas of focus were identified to mainstream support for the LGBTI community. Target groups include LGBTI community and their immediate families; service providers and stakeholders.

The aims of the programmes are to ensure acceptance and integration of LGBTI people in the community, reduce prejudice/discrimination (covert and overt), and to empower the LGBTI community.

GLN awarded the following awards: Love to Live Human Rights award – 2014, Special distinction award from the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights – 2012