A youth activist in Botswana is driving community-led transformation by creating safe spaces, strengthening visibility, building alliances and ensuring LGBTIQ+ people access dignified, inclusive services.
Tumelo Daddy Thakadu is a community activist and mentor working with Friends of Diversity in Botswana through an intervention known as Open Hands. His work centers on people‑powered change bringing individuals together, strengthening dignity, and equipping communities to advocate for safety and inclusion.
Before this intervention, many LGBTIQ+ people in Botswana faced isolation, stigma and barriers to essential services. Access to affirming healthcare and psychosocial support was limited, while silence and fear shaped daily life.
Through community outreach, Tumelo entered the real spaces where LGBTIQ+ people live, socialise and seek services. His approach focused on listening before acting, enabling him to identify gaps in healthcare access, mental health, safety and community understanding.
He created safe, affirming spaces where LGBTIQ+ people could share experiences, access information and feel recognised without judgment. Education played a critical role. Targeted discussions, awareness sessions, and social media campaigns were used to challenge misinformation, reduce stigma and strengthen solidarity.
Tumelo worked directly with healthcare providers to help them offer more inclusive, respectful services. He also collaborated with allies, family gatekeepers and members of diverse LGBTIQ+ identities to foster learning and mutual understanding.
These efforts generated local‑level change. LGBTIQ+ visibility increased in public spaces and services. More individuals accessed LGBTIQ‑friendly healthcare, community‑based support groups, and training opportunities. Inclusive language and practices became increasingly visible within community centres and service environments.
The impact includes reduced stigma, improved safety, and strengthened mental health and wellbeing. Community feedback, increased service uptake, and larger workshop turnout provide evidence of progress.
Sustainability rests on community ownership. Continuous engagement, strengthened partnerships and regular feedback loops ensure interventions remain relevant. Ongoing training equips teachers, social workers, healthcare providers and other frontline workers to embed inclusive practices within existing systems.
Scaling will occur through collaboration with LGBTIQ organisations, human rights groups and advocacy networks to replicate successful models across Botswana. By embedding inclusion into public service delivery and strengthening community leadership, the intervention aims to secure durable, long‑term transformation.
Qoutes
Dr Moremi "The training you provided on LGBTQI+ needs has helped us provide respectful and effective services."
Lesego "I am really impressed by the work you are doing for LGBTQI+ members."
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