Churches called to peacefully coexist with LGBTQI community

Friday, December 16, 2022 | 750 Views |

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.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

The Draft Media Bill of 2025 could be just what the doctor ordered for the media fraternity. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Examining the role of Botswana’s proposed media Ombudsman

Kabo Ramasia | 1d ago

Bosa Bosele offers free counselling to the public

staff writer | 1d ago

UDC crisis rocks Gaborone Council

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

Former subordinate takes stand against Moagi

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

Court halts LSB bar exams

Spira Tlhankane | 1d ago

Botho University gives gov’t value for money –Maele

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

Elevate Africa launches Threads of Africa Fashion Film prize 2026

staff writer | 1d ago

Men’s netball team excluded as women report for camp

Calistus Kolantsho | 1d ago

Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

The Monitor Editor | 16 June 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.