Media practitioners urged to humanise LGBTQI+ stories
The organization LEGABIBO hosted a media workshop in Botswana to encourage ethical and inclusive reporting on LGBTQI+ issues. The event focused on how journalists can challenge stereotypes and support constitutional rights following the country's decriminalization of same-sex acts.
Why it matters
The workshop highlights the evolving role of media in shaping human rights discourse in African nations.
The workshop brought together journalists and other media practitioners to discuss marriage equality, constitutional rights Johannes Kambai Share Tweet Share Email sms Listen In a significant step toward fostering more inclusive and ethical journalism, Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) hosted a media sensitisation workshop in Gaborone under its Lorato ke Lorato campaign. The workshop brought together journalists and other media practitioners to discuss marriage equality, constitutional rights, ethical reporting and the media’s pivotal role in shaping public discourse on LGBTI+ issues. The workshop reflected Botswana’s evolving landscape on LGBTI+ rights. Since the landmark 2019 High Court ruling decriminalising consensual same sex acts, upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021 and followed by the formal repeal of colonial-era penal code provisions, the country has made notable strides, yet societal attitudes often lag, with media coverage frequently cited as a double-edged sword that can either challenge stereotypes or perpetuate them.
The framing focuses on social progress and human rights advocacy, which aligns with progressive social perspectives.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in