Lesotho: Living authentically, Royal’s journey to self-discovery

This article tells the deeply personal story of Royal, a transgender man living in Lesotho, tracing his journey toward self-discovery, acceptance, and inner peace in a social context that often struggles to understand transgender identities. Told from Royal’s own perspective, the piece offers a firsthand account of growing up transgender in Lesotho, shedding light on experiences of harassment, prejudice, and exclusion, while also highlighting resilience, self-affirmation, and the search for belonging. By centring lived experience, the story challenges stereotypes and confronts the misconception that being transgender is a choice.

Set within broader conversations on human rights, identity, and social acceptance, the story is both timely and relevant, giving a human face to issues often reduced to statistics or abstract debate. It provides nuanced insight into the cultural and societal realities faced by trans people in Lesotho and calls for greater understanding, respect, and recognition of transgender rights. Through dignity-centred, sensitive reporting, the article aims to foster empathy, encourage critical reflection on bias, and contribute to more inclusive and responsible coverage of LGBTIQ experiences in the region.

Read the full article published on Newsday Online.