21 Jun 2022

Accepting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersex children can help create a conducive environment for them to reach their aspirations without limitations or fear. 

This was said by a parent, Ms Matshwenyego Moatshe in an interview on the sidelines of LEGABIBO meeting held in Maun to lobby leaders, parents and other stakeholders to support and promote human rights of the LEGABIBO community.  

She urged members of the community  to get rid of myths and stereotypes that fuel stigma and discrimination towards LEGABIBO community, which often resulted in some living secret lives.   

Ms Moatshe expressed concern that some children found it difficult to declare their sexual orientation to parents and families hence she appealed to parents to build good relationships with their children so that they could freely open up about their sexuality.

“It’s a pity as some children died in silence because of abuse and ridicule from their closest kin. During COVID-19 lock downs, there were reports that some children ended up committing suicide because they could not stand the abuse,” she added.

Ms Moatshe urged parents to accept their children’s sexuality and to stop mistreating and labelling them as abnormal.

Such children, she said, deserved to be loved, protected and supported. 

Being a transgender or hermaphrodite (having a male and female sex organs at the same time), she said was rare in the olden days because people did not disclose their sexuality due to the myths surrounding them.

Ms Moatshe also urged the community to stop mistreating sex workers, saying  they deserved respect irrespective of their work.

LEGABIBO chief executive officer, Mr Thato Moruti said the meeting sought to engage with leaders, parents and other different stakeholders to stimulate discussion on inclusion and protection of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI) human rights.

The meeting also aimed to advocate and raise awareness among service providers and the general public. 

He said LEGABIBO community had the right to access all general services.

“As the government is committed to leave no one behind in the implementation of the Sustainable Goals and Vision 2036, we wish to see the goals met for all segments of the society. Indeed no one should be left behind,” he added.

Mr Moruti appreciated that the forum also gave them an opportunity to exchange best practices towards empowerment of a girl-child. 

LEGABIBO is dedicated to promoting equal rights and dignity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in the country. ends