The LGBT community in the townships and rural areas of South Africa live their lives in great danger. Despite protections afforded by the country's constitution, violent attacks against black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are rampant in South Africa. Policymakers must urgently take action to ensure the safety and human rights of the LGBT community through tougher penalties for crimes and community education. South Africa is a pioneer in the fight for legal equality on LGBT issues such as civil unions and parental rights in adoption. meanwhile, they let lesbians and transgender people down in their daily lives. Same-sex couples have been able to marry in South Africa since 2006, but the reaction from members of the LGBT community has been intolerance and prejudice which most often leads to violence. David Olyn, a 21-year-old gay man who spoke openly about his sexuality, was brutally murdered by being tied up with wire, then smashed in the head with a brick, before being rammed and setting a fire. Barney van Heerden, 39, had acid poured on his body before being strangled to death because he participated in transgender activities. Eudy Simelane was gang raped and stabbed to death. His body was then dumped in a stream outside Johannesburg. She too was targeted because of her sexual orientation. The South African constitution provides for sanctions for discrimination against gays and lesbians, but this is not enough: the laws must be enforced effectively. Reported cases of violence against the LGBT community extend into the justice system and there is cultural favoritism towards those who conform to heteronormative activities. David Hessey, who works for the Gay and Lesbian Association, blames the document's environment for ensuring proper legislation. LGBT advocates must ensure that they promote educational initiatives and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay and transgender people. Whether in South Africa or the United States of America, heterosexuality is the norm of society. Anything outside of this standard is unacceptable to many in both countries. True LGBT liberation means being able to think, act, and exist in a space with those who might choose a more traditional way of life. This space must include equal respect and be free from any threat of physical violence. This violence against the LGBT community should serve as a wake-up call to all who believe in human rights. This violence also creates moral compassion to adopt other ways of life that differ from society's norms. The LGBT community deserves the dignity, honor and grace afforded to every human being..