Rainbow Identity Association (RIA), an
organisation that aims for the inclusion of transgender and intersex people as
respected and valued members of society brought about through partnership
building, advocacy, training education within and across the region celebrates
IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia on the 17th
of May 2017 at G west community hall from 8am to 2pm.
Over the years a lot of people have lost
their lives due to discrimination because they do not fit the notion of what is
morally right and acceptable. It is every individual’s responsibility to
promote humanity by exercising human rights and stopping discrimination of any
kind. Discrimination cannot be justified by any means or action as it goes
against every order of life. As RIA we took it upon ourselves to commemorate
this day by calling on the LGBTI, the general public and organisations
advocating for human rights to stand with us on this day to build alliances in
order to stop discrimination of any kind as we feel it is important in order
for all of us to live peacefully. This day is celebrated across the world annually
and this year’s international theme is Alliance for Solidarity. We will be
raising awareness of our commonalities and ephasise that no battle is won in
isolation. We will be engaging with other organisation, the LGBTI and the
general public in a collective action to stop discrimination. To ensure safety,
fight violence, lobby legal change and campaign to change hearts and minds on
issues of LGBTI and other minority groups. Rights of one specific group cannot
be solidly secured if the rights of other groups are left unchallenged. One may
ask why the need for allies? And the answer to that is to build solid
partnerships and relations because in isolation we will fight a losing battle
yet if we come together we have more chances of winning the war against discrimination
and stigma.
 |
| Councillor Montwedi giving his speech |
The
commemoration included guest speaker Councilor Obusitswe Bisto Montwedi. In
talking about this issue he said "The fight
against homophobia and transphobia is a core part of the broader battle for
human rights for all. The universal declaration of human rights promises a
world that is free and equal and we can only honour that as Botswana if
everyone without exception enjoys the protection they deserve".
He went on to say that the theme
speaks to them all there, and asked what is it that everyone is doing in their
area? This year’s theme is Alliance for Solidarity. He mentioned that they
cannot expect LGBTI community to overcome their struggle alone, they need them
and they need them too.
 |
| L to R: Councillor O.Montwedi receiving a token of appreciation from Skipper, RIA Director |
When completing his speech he said “We
know what needs to be done, 1. Remove laws that criminalize or punish LGBTI
people and replace such laws with new laws that are in harmony with universal
human rights conventions and protect everyone from discrimination on any
grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. 2. Recognition of non-binary
gender is priority, The Omang (ID card) currently recognizes two sexes that is
male and female, exclude Intersex persons. It is violation of constitutional
rights. 3. There is need to have conversation with custodians of culture in
order to ensure that all people are accepted and recognized using basic
principle of Botho. 4. There is need for active efforts to combat the prevalent
persecution, violence and discrimination of LGBTI persons. Because ending
homophobia and transphobia is a matter of personal security, dignity and even
survival for countless individuals. I believe its starts with me and you from today
to say enough is enough!”
 |
| Participants during the open discussion |
After the key
note speaker said his piece there was open discussions led by different
marginalized groups on discrimination and stigma and maping the inter-section
with stakeholders to ensure ending violence against different diverse
communities and lobby for legal reform as collective. Rainbow Identity Association will be acknowledging other organisations
valuable contribution to Botswana’s Human rights Sector on this day. It is high
time we bring together our specific responsibilities and dissolve them into one
because at the end of the day effectively implementing human rights and
people’s rights is every human beings responsibility. Everyone is entitled to
human rights and should be able to exercise them without infringing someone
else’s human right, as human beings it is upon us to live together peacefully
and we believe that that can only be done through acceptance of our differences
and realizing that we all want the same thing at the end of the day to live
happily in the world.
 |
| Open discussion during the commemoration |
 |
| IDAHOT 2018 |
 |
| Tosh, Director of Sisonke introducing herself |
 |
| G-West VDC chairperson filling the attendance register |
 |
| Fify-RIA Board Member giving vote of thanks |
 |
| L to R: Councillor Manki, Councillor Kemelo, Skipper-RIA Director |
 |
| L to R: Councillor Manki, Councillor Montwedi, Skipper-RIA Director |
 |
| Group photo of the participants |
By Urbenia Kgwarae
RIA Media Officer
Rainbow Identity Association (RIA), an
organisation that aims for the inclusion of transgender and intersex people as
respected and valued members of society brought about through partnership
building, advocacy, training education within and across the region celebrates
IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia on the 17th
of May 2017 at G west community hall from 8am to 2pm. 
