The short answer
There is the Transgender Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, as well as some non-profits and queer shelters.
The long answer
Thank you for your email asking what support and counselling is available for gay and trans (LGBT+) people in Cape Town.
Let’s start with the Transgender Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH):
It is highly regarded as a pioneering facility and is known as the best public facility for transgender healthcare in South Africa. It provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, including hormone therapy, psychological assessment, and surgery, all of which are rare in the public sector. But because resources are extremely scarce, there are exceptionally long waiting lists.
Since the closure of donor-funded clinics such as Ivan Toms in Greenpoint, many LGBT+ people have struggled to access health care. These clinics had been funded by a combination of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The funds were cut off by Donald Trump after he became US President in January 2025.
Mamba Online reported on 29 October 2025 that a new, specific Trans Health Service, operated by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, had opened at Groote Schuur Hospital.
Dr Yashna Singh, Medical Officer at the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, said that the new service was designed as a “temporary, stopgap measure” to ensure continuity of care while the Department of Health worked to integrate gender-affirming services into primary healthcare facilities. The new service is expected to operate until March 2026 and is funded through ELMA Philanthropies and First Rand Empowerment Foundation.
The clinic offers a comprehensive package of care including hormone therapy, psychosocial assessments, HIV testing and treatment, PrEP, STI screening and treatment, and access to a visiting therapist.
The Trans Health Service at Groote Schuur Hospital is open by appointment only. Clients are asked to bring their ID and a referral letter or clinic folder.
Location: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town
Bookings: Call or WhatsApp 083 562 1839 for appointments.
The clinic assists with referrals for surgeries and other gender-affirming procedures at Groote Schuur Hospital. It also refers clients to partner organisations like Triangle Project and Gender DynamiX for counselling and community-based support.
Offers professional counselling, support groups, court support for hate crimes, and sexual health clinical care.
Address: 2–4 Seymour Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Tel: 021 422 0255
Dedicated Helpline: 021 712 6699
Offers transgender and gender diverse support, and focuses on advancing transgender human rights.
Address: 1 Solway Street, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530
Tel: 021 447 4797
Email: [email protected]
Africa's first formal shelter for the LGBTQI+ community.
It provides temporary, safe accommodation, psychological well-being through connected social networks, community involvement and crisis support.
Address: 1 Molteno Rd,
Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001.
Tel: 021 423 2871 or 072 473 0764
Email: [email protected]
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation:
Offers specific LGBT+ health services in Woodstock, Cape Town.
Address: 3 Woodlands Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 021 301 2020
A registered student society at the University of Cape Town run entirely by students for UCT students and staff.
AIDS Helpline:
0800-012-322 (toll-free)
Wishing you the best,
Athalie
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Answered on Jan. 28, 2026, 3:56 p.m.
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