“These were safe spaces where people could get healthcare without judgement or fear. The LGBTQIA+ community already feels unsafe and mistreated at government clinics and hospitals. This is devastating,” she said.

She emphasised that public healthcare doesn’t provide enough support for LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those in need of HIV treatment and other specialised services.

“Absolutely not,” she said.

“That’s why clinics like the Wits RHI and Engage Men’s Health existed. I personally had a bad experience at a government hospital where I was judged and mistreated.”

With the shutdown of these clinics, Yaya predicts an increase in people defaulting on their medication for fear of discrimination at public health facilities.

“We’re going to see more people stopping their treatment because they don’t feel safe going to government clinics. Transgender men and women will struggle to access hormones and prescriptions,” she warned.

Asked what advice she would give to those worried about their health, Yaya admitted there are few options.

“There isn’t really any advice to give because there aren’t many places left to go to unless you can afford private healthcare. It’s unfortunate that we’re in this situation, but I hope they’re working on a solution. People need answers and need them now.”

Julian Philander (26) from Florida, Roodepoort, spoke to Daily Sun about the toll this has taken on them.

“I just recently started my transition process, seeing a psychologist and having a few sessions with a doctor. But even then, we didn’t get our medication at the clinic. They only gave us prescriptions, and only those who have been going there for a long time get the meds. There’s a crazy long waiting list,” they said.

“This was a safe space for us. Now, we have to go to government clinics, where they’ll tell us we don’t need this treatment because we’re not ‘deadly sick’. But we do need it. We’ve thought about it, we know what we want and being denied access is going to put us in a really bad emotional state.”

Julian pointed out that while HIV treatment and prevention are often linked to LGBTQIA+ health, trans healthcare needs go beyond that.

“I take PrEP, but you can’t go to any clinic as a queer person and ask for it without people looking at you weirdly. At the trans clinic, it was different. Everything was smooth, everything flowed.

“There’s definitely not enough awareness or support for trans-specific healthcare. Wherever we go, we’re judged, even in government healthcare facilities. And when it comes to gender reassignment surgeries, there’s almost nothing available.