However the organisers, LEGABIBO, a same sex NGO that advocates for the rights of people with same sex preference in Botswana, says this film festival does not seek to promote homosexuality, but rather seeks to create awareness and promote botho, respect, tolerance, compassion and appreciation between human beings."Thanks to the media of film, we can experience a wide variety of informative, emotive and sometimes amusing stories during this festival," the NGO says in a media release.Starting this Tuesday, till Friday, from 530pm, members of the public are invited to the University of Botswana auditorium to watch same sex films involving lesbians (women with women), gay (men with men), transgender (people who have undergone sex change), bisexuals (those who can have sexual relations with either gender).
The films will be followed by discussions, but the organisers of the week-long gay film festival, say in their invitation that the Batho BaLorato film festival seeks to help Batswana discuss issues surrounding human sexuality in an open forum.According to their statement the heterosexual community rarely gets an opportunity to hear the stories of people affected by homophobia and transphobia; of parents who have a gay child in their family; of people who are transgender or intersex; or of people who are gay or lesbian and Christian.The films, LEGABIBO says, have been specially selected to help straight people (heterosexuals) learn more about LGBTI (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Intersex) issues. Some of the films to be shown on the opening day are documentary titles such as A Woman Trapped In A Man's Body, Bits Of This, Bits Of That, Voices Of Witness Africa, and documentary films in which African LGBT talk frankly about their lives and their relationship with God and the church. Some five more films are scheduled for Wednesday evening.
On a continent where many people are tortured, raped and killed because of their sexuality or gender identity, it is important for all Africans to learn more about these issues. "There are many Batswana who are currently unaware of these human rights atrocities happening in neighbouring countries".
