The University of Cape Town (UCT) and its Vice-Chancellor, Mamokgethi Phakeng, have been criticised after hosting an open lecture titled ‘What does science say about LGBTQI+’.
UCT’s open lecture was held on Sunday and has been described as hurtful to the transgender and intersex community by the Gender Diversity Coalition.
The Gender Diversity Coalition claims urologist, Dr. Kgomotso Mathabe provided misinformation regarding intersex-born children.
The coalition said the lecture caused further harm to these individuals and their families “who feel the daily violence of medical and pathologised diagnosis that have no positive outcome on their lives”.
UCT has since issued a statement said regarding the seminar.
The university said it “respects the rights of the LGBTQA+ community on our inclusive campus and beyond”.
“Consequently, the matter is receiving the urgent attention of the chair and deputy chair of council. UCT will immediately put together a panel to review the matter and come up with the university’s position. The panel will have LGBTQA+ representation. Prof Phakeng respects the rights of the LGBTQA+ and has decided to put on hold any other sessions on LGBTQA+.”
Further communication will be issued from the university once a review has been completed.
I plan to be on spaces today from 16:00 while live on instagram. So am going to try out spaces now at 14:50 because I have never used it before. https://t.co/4vz5hHW8ly
— Mamokgethi Phakeng🏳️🌈 (@FabAcademic) September 5, 2021