Cape Town - Retired archbishop Desmond Tutu has became the 1 000th face of the Scalabrini Centre’s “Let’s Face It” campaign.
The campaign was established in support and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.
The campaign, which began on Human Rights Day in March, has become a regular feature at Cape Town street festivals.
It was organised by the Scalabrini Centre, a refugee outreach centre, particularly for LGBTI refugees from countries such as Uganda and Nigeria where being gay is still a crime.
Human rights officer at the Scalabrini Centre Neil Goodwin said: “The archbishop kindly came out of retirement to lend his face to this campaign and was the perfect candidate to take us across the finishing line.
“He has been a huge inspiration to many in the battle for open hearts and minds towards the LGBTI community, both here and across the world.”
Tutu, on Wednesday, admitted himself to a Cape Town hospital for treatment after suffering from a recurring infection.
His daughter, Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe, said: “He is expected to remain in hospital for a week or two. The (retired) archbishop underwent similar treatment last year.”
After hearing the news of his frail health, many have come to the forefront wishing him a speedy recovery. Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille said: “I wish to extend our well wishes to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu while he undergoes treatment in hospital.
“We wish him well and trust that he is receiving the best possible care. We carry the Arch, mama Leah and the Tutu family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Goodwin said: “We would like to wish the (retired) archbishop a speedy recovery from illness and thank him once again for being the 1 000th face of our campaign. You are an inspiration to us all.”
The “Lets Face It” campaign has visited areas such as Langa, Khayelitsha and Gugulethu.
It has been at the Slave Lodge, the District Six Museum and Parliament. In the showcases is a display on the back of the Rainbow Africa with the question: “Is being gay un-African?”
Goodwin said a large cross-section of people from all over the continent have endorsed the campaign. “With the help of the archbishop, we have begun to have the conversation and have met a lot of people, particularly young people.”