Botswana: Beyond the Rainbow

LEGABIBO’s Beyond the Rainbow strategy strengthened rights, wellbeing and visibility of LGBTIQ+ people in Botswana through community services, policy advocacy, movement-building and partnerships with government and civil society.

LEGABIBO’s Beyond the Rainbow (2020–2025) strategy was developed to address structural inequalities and social exclusion experienced by LGBTIQ+ people in Botswana. Although same‑sex relations were decriminalised in 2019, many continued to face stigma, discrimination, violence, and barriers in healthcare, employment, and public services. Trans people, LBQ women, sex workers and young people were disproportionately affected.

The strategy centred on four pillars: community health and wellbeing services; legal and policy advocacy; movement and institutional strengthening; and shifting public attitudes through engagement with families, leaders and public institutions. Drop‑In Centres were expanded to provide affirming HIV and sexual health services, mental health support and safe spaces. Legal literacy, paralegal support and referrals assisted survivors of violence and discrimination.

Alongside health services, LEGABIBO engaged government departments, healthcare providers, law enforcement and traditional and religious leaders through sensitisation trainings and structured dialogues. Partnerships with feminist, youth and human rights groups strengthened collective advocacy on employment protections, healthcare access and civic inclusion. Public campaigns and research offered evidence to inform decision‑makers.

Before the strategy, LGBTQIA+ individuals had limited safe spaces and minimal institutional recognition. After implementation, there was wider awareness, broader institutional responsiveness, and increasing inclusion of LGBTQIA+ concerns in policy conversations. Community members gained leadership opportunities through advocacy initiatives and peer networks.

The change was significant: the movement shifted from reactive crisis support to proactive systems‑building. Drop‑In Centres, improved relationships with service providers and increased leadership within communities strengthened wellbeing and resilience. Evidence‑based advocacy enhanced credibility and influence, positioning the movement for long‑term progress and structural transformation.

Sustainability will depend on diversified funding, stronger governance and community‑based leadership. LEGABIBO is working to build local philanthropy, engage the private sector and explore the ‘pink economy’. Decentralised leadership through peer educators and youth leaders will ensure knowledge remains embedded across communities. Partnerships with public institutions will help mainstream LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Evidence generation will continue driving scale and strengthening advocacy.

Quotes: 

Government Partner - THE FREEZE EXPOSED OUR FRAGILITY. OUR SYSTEMS MUST BE STRENGTHENED, DIVERSE, AND ACCOUNTABLE. MONEY IS SPENT YEARLY—BUT WHERE?

Sex worker in Francistown - NURSES ASK FOR YOUR MALATSI [RESIDENCY PAPERS] LIKE THEY'RE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS. THEN THEY DON'T GIVE US ENOUGH CONDOMS LIKE CSOS DID.

Healthcare worker in Kasane - THE MOBILISATION THAT LEGABIBO DID IS GOING TO LOSE MOMENTUM. WE ARE GOING TO LOSE CLIENTS. WE ARE GOING TO SEE HIV GO UP.

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