Churches called to peacefully coexist with LGBTQI community

Reverent Mampane
Reverent Mampane

In Botswana where nearly 80% of people identify themselves as Christians, religion permeates society. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) people face widespread stigma, exclusion and discrimination, including from education, employment and health care. Many LGBTQI persons face targeted physical attacks and extreme violence, sometimes from church members. Mmegi correspondent NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

Oarabile*, a gay man in his early 20s never missed church as a child.

“Once I started opening up about my sexuality, people started looking at me differently. I could see the disgust in their faces. My parents started being ashamed of me. They would ask me why I could not behave like other ‘normal’ boys,” Oarabile said.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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