Botswana is both modern urban and simple rural, rich and poor, prosperous and challenged with both an anti-gay law and a playful gay community that breathes freely. The progressive gay organization LeGaBiBo is leading the way to a better future.
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966. The economy, closely tied to South Africa’s, and one of the most successful in Africa, is dominated by the fast-growing service sector, world-renowned mining (especially diamonds) industry, tourism, and manufacturing. On June 11, 2019 Botswana’s High Court announced that gay sex was no longer illegal.
Name: Botswana
Population: 2000000
Capital: Gaborone - Pop. 185000
Area: 581730 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: English, Setswana
Religion: Indigenous beliefs, Christian
Status of Homosexuality: Illegal
Telephone Country Code: 267
Gay Botswana – An Historic Event Unfolds
Intro: “Botswana’s High Court announced on June 11, 2019 to decriminalize gay sex, and people are rejoicing the “life-changing” decision”.
Peaceful Botswana in southern Africa is both modern-urban and simple-rural; rich and poor, prosperous and challenged, with both an anti-gay law and a playful assertive gay community that breathes freely. It’s a huge country with elephants, deserts, paved roads, a tolerant President and intolerant churches, a big university and various gay-friendly venues and many out, young and bold LGBTs.
Some LGBT Highlights in Botswana 2004-11
Intro: Posted here are some excerpts from various sources of information about the LGBT struggle for rights and recognition in Botswana, It is a frustrating effort with government blockages and homophobia along the way. However, despite much difficult news there are a couple of good recent stories posted here at the end: love conquers all.
