Lesotho: Love, UNLOCKED—Queer storytelling challenging gender norms and exclusion

LOVE, UNLOCKED is a queer‑centred storytelling initiative developed by Unlocking Love, a queer‑led organisation in Lesotho. The project responds to harmful social, cultural, and religious norms that erase queer love, stigmatise LGBTIQ+ bodies, and exclude queer people from public narratives. For many queer individuals—particularly lesbians, bisexual women, and gender‑diverse persons—affirming stories of love, joy, care, and connection are seldom visible. Instead, queer lives are often framed through violence or moral panic, deepening stigma and social isolation.

The initiative was designed to challenge these norms by allowing queer people to define love on their own terms. Through paired video storytelling sessions, participants engage in guided conversations and reflective exercises that focus on connection, belonging, and emotional wellbeing. Early implementation prioritised consent, participant safety, and agency, ensuring a supportive environment where queer voices are treated with dignity.

The project is still in progress, but early indicators show positive change. Participants are experiencing increased affirmation, validation, and confidence. Many are engaging in storytelling for the first time in a safe, affirming space. Before the project, there were very few platforms for queer people in Lesotho to express themselves without judgement or fear. Now, the process itself is helping participants feel seen and valued.

Broader community‑level change is expected as the video series is shared publicly. The stories will challenge restrictive gender norms and expand the national conversation about love, family, and belonging. The project’s significance lies in shifting power back to queer people, enabling them to represent their experiences with care and authenticity, rather than through narratives imposed by others.

Sustaining this change will involve embedding storytelling into Unlocking Love’s ongoing work, using the videos as long‑term advocacy tools across community dialogues, workshops, and regional partnerships. The model is flexible and cost‑effective, allowing for replication with new participants and in new communities. Digital dissemination will expand the project’s reach across Lesotho and the Southern African region, contributing to broader gender norm transformation.

Quotes

Nnete Moleko Being part of Love, UNLOCKED has given me a rare chance to talk about love without fear or explanation.

Giselle Ratalane Sharing my story reminded me that queer love deserves to be visible and celebrated.

Seotlo Kantoro Love, UNLOCKED feels powerful because it centres us as people, not as problems.

Link to the video https://surveygizmoresponseuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/fileuploads/382553/8655278/87-07473c062e83a6836432c585866978af_Love_Unlocked_Trailer_.mp4