Community Conversations on Stigma and Discrimination encountered by LGBTI Community- Lobatse
published on Nov 12, 2024
LGBTI communities sharing their experiences of stigma in the society and mapping how to build a supportive structure.
The participants indicated that there is still stigma and discrimination from the community especially towards the LGBTQI communities. They also indicated that they face the same stigma and discrimination at the workplaces too. For example, someone gets discriminated because of the way they dress as their workplace expects them to wear clothes in which they do not feel comfortable in. This stigma and discrimination bring fear to them, making the work difficult as we may not easily reach the targeted population. Therefore, there is need for more advocacy in the labour sector.
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GBV and Intimate Sex Partner Violence common among LGBTI folks
During the conversation, Society people still justify gender-based violence and intimate partner violence towards LGBTI people, and it came out that LGBTIQ people are largely affected as it takes a toll on their mental health. Some of the participants indicated that economic dependence, whereby one partner is dependent on the other, may lead to the violent incidents. In addition, the respondents indicated that they are afraid of ending the relationships as they are dependent on the perpetrators. Furthermore, participants indicated that gender inequality persists due to a complex interplay of societal, cultural, and psychological factors. Some of the factors indicated were traditional gender roles, economic factors, stereotypes and prejudice.
