01/09/2026
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
BEYOND INCLUSION SYMPOSIUM: Confronting Anti-LGBTI+ Violence and Discrimination in the South African Education System
📅 21–22 September 2026
📍 Mansfield Hall, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Durban
⏰ 09:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Uthingo Network, in collaboration with the International Centre of Non-Violence (ICON) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), invites students, learners, educators, researchers, activists, policymakers, mental health professionals, LGBTI+ community members and allies to apply to participate in the Beyond Inclusion Symposium.
The two-day symposium will create a critical and inclusive space to examine the realities of anti-LGBTI+ violence, queerphobia, bullying, exclusion and discrimination within South Africa's education system.
Through conversations that bring together lived experiences, research, policy and practice, we will explore what needs to change and how we can collectively build educational environments where LGBTI+ learners and students can learn, participate and thrive with safety, dignity and belonging.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We particularly welcome applications from:
- Students and learners
- Educators and school leaders
- Researchers and academics
- Policymakers and government officials
- Activists and civil society organisations
- Mental health professionals
- LGBTI+ community members
- Allies and other stakeholders
PARTICIPATION IS FREE!
There is no cost to participate in the symposium. However, participants will be responsible for making their own way to and from the venue for both days of the symposium. Participants should therefore make their own transport arrangements to Mansfield Hall, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Durban.
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE
Please complete the application form using the link below or scan the QR code on the poster: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1EBLG2MZFz
Spaces are limited, so we encourage interested participants to apply early.