Botswana Trans Initiative

18/06/2026

Ever wondered who Botswana Trans Initiative is and why we exist?

In this short conversation, our Executive Director, Refilwe Sputla Mogorosi, takes us through the BTI journey, where it all began, why the organisation was established, who we serve, and the work we do to advance the rights, dignity, health, and wellbeing of trans, gender-diverse, and inters*x communities in Botswana.

Behind every organisation is a story, a purpose, and a vision for change. This is ours.

Watch the full video to learn more about the movement, the people behind it, and our commitment to building a Botswana where everyone can live with dignity, recognition, and equal access to opportunities and services.

Because visibility matters. Representation matters. Human rights matter.

17/06/2026

Your story matters.

Have you shared your I-Story yet?

Through the Marang Fund I-Stories initiative, LGBTIQ+ community members can share their lived experiences in their own words and on their own terms.

📝 Written
🎙️ Audio
🎥 Video

Simply scan the QR code to get started. You may also choose to remain anonymous.

Every story contributes to visibility, advocacy, and a better understanding of the realities of our communities.

Scan. Share. Be heard.

Your story matters. Your voice matters.

Botswana Trans Initiative invites members of the LGBTIQ+ community to contribute to the Marang Fund regional I-Stories initiative; a powerful collection of real, lived experiences from across Southern Africa.

Whether your story speaks about identity, family, healthcare, joy, discrimination, healing, survival, or simply what it means to exist authentically, your truth deserves to be heard.

To participate, simply scan the QR code on the post image. The QR code will direct you to the Marang I-Stories platform, where you will be guided through the process step by step. The platform is user-friendly and allows you to choose how you would like to share your story be it through the following ways:

📝 Written story
🎙️ Audio recording
🎥 Video submission

You may also choose to remain anonymous.

You do not need to be a professional writer or speaker, just tell your story in your own words, in your own voice. Every story contributes to visibility, advocacy, healing, and documenting the lived realities of LGBTQ+ communities in our region.

Scan. Share. Be heard.

16/06/2026

Day of the African Child - June 16

Today, we celebrate and reaffirm the rights, dignity, and potential of every child across Africa.

The Day of the African Child is a reminder that children and young people deserve to grow up in environments where they are safe, supported, heard, and given equal opportunities to thrive. It calls on us to reflect on the progress made in advancing children's rights while recognising the work that remains to ensure that all children can access education, healthcare, protection, and opportunities for development.

At Botswana Trans Initiative, we commemorate this day because every child matters, including trans and gender-diverse children and young people. We believe that all children deserve to be treated with dignity, free from discrimination, stigma, violence, and exclusion.

As we mark this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where every child is able to live authentically, realise their full potential, and enjoy their rights without fear.

Because every child deserves to be seen, heard, protected, and valued.

15/06/2026

Strengthening Dialogue, Building Understanding

Botswana Trans Initiative recently engaged with the Civil and National Registration Department as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships, foster constructive dialogue, and deepen mutual understanding on issues affecting trans and gender-diverse communities.

Civil registration systems play an important role in people's everyday lives. Identity documents are often required to access healthcare, education, employment, financial services, and many other opportunities. As such, engaging institutions responsible for these systems is critical to understanding existing processes, identifying challenges, and exploring opportunities to improve accessibility, clarity, and consistency.

The engagement provided an important opportunity to exchange perspectives, better understand the legal and administrative landscape, and discuss the importance of ensuring that systems are responsive to the diverse realities of the people they serve.

Meaningful change is often built through dialogue, collaboration, and relationship building. We remain encouraged by opportunities to engage key stakeholders and look forward to continued conversations that contribute to greater inclusion, dignity, and accessibility for all.

We extend our appreciation to the Civil and National Registration Department, including Acting Deputy Director Gaone Matakule, for the engagement and the opportunity to strengthen this important relationship.

11/06/2026

Join us today on Yarona FM from 18:00 to 19:00 as we tune into an important conversation on marriage equality, dignity, and human rights.

Our Programs Manager, Raymond Kolanyane together with Bonolo Selolo from B.O. Selelo Attorneys (Botswana - thinking law) and the Applicant for the Marriage Equality Case will be unpacking key issues around equality before the law, access to civil marriage, and what true inclusion means for all people.

The discussion will reflect on the broader human rights implications of the ongoing marriage equality matter.

Don't miss it!

10/06/2026

Advancing Conversations on Legal Gender Recognition

Yesterday, Botswana Trans Initiative convened a Legal Gender Recognition Strategies Review Workshop, bringing together stakeholders and community members to critically reflect on the current landscape of legal gender recognition in Botswana and explore pathways for reform.

The workshop unpacked the existing legal framework governing legal gender recognition, examined key gaps and challenges faced by trans and gender-diverse persons, and explored the distinction between s*x and gender within legal and policy contexts. Participants also reflected on landmark developments while drawing lessons from comparative regional and international best practices.

Importantly, the discussions created space to consider potential legal and policy reforms that could strengthen the recognition, dignity, and rights of trans and gender-diverse people in Botswana.

As conversations around legal gender recognition continue to evolve globally and across Africa, spaces such as these remain critical for building shared understanding, strengthening advocacy, and developing informed, rights-based strategies that respond to the lived realities of our communities.

We extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed their expertise, perspectives, and experiences to what was a thoughtful, engaging, and impactful workshop. Together, we continue working toward a Botswana where all people can be recognised and affirmed in law and in life.

09/06/2026

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

This month, we recognize the importance of mental wellbeing for all men, including trans men and gender-diverse people whose experiences are often overlooked in conversations about mental health.

For generations, many have been taught that "men don't cry," "men must be strong," or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. These harmful stereotypes can prevent people from expressing emotions, seeking support, and prioritizing their mental health.

The truth is that strength is not found in silence. Strength is found in reaching out, speaking up, setting boundaries, and seeking help when it is needed.

Trans men and gender-diverse people may face additional challenges, including stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, and barriers to accessing affirming mental healthcare. These realities make conversations about mental health even more important.

This Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, let us challenge harmful stereotypes, create supportive communities, and remind one another that it is okay to not be okay.

💙 Your feelings are valid.
💙 Your mental health matters.
💙 Asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

08/06/2026

Marriage Equality Case Update

Today, the joinder application in the Marriage Equality case was heard before the High Court of Botswana. The matter has been postponed and will now be heard on the;

📅 14 July 2026
⏰ 0930hrs
📍 High Court of Botswana, Gaborone

This case represents an important moment in the ongoing conversation about equality, dignity, recognition, and the protection of human rights for all people in Botswana.

While legal processes often take time, each hearing contributes to shaping the future of justice and equal treatment under the law. We remain encouraged by the continued engagement of those advocating for a Botswana where everyone can enjoy their rights, relationships, and freedoms without discrimination.

We encourage community members, allies, and supporters who are able to do so to follow the proceedings and stand in solidarity as this important matter continues before the courts. Because equality, dignity, and human rights matter.

07/06/2026

In The Pursuit Of Equality

This Monday, we stand in solidarity as the High Court hears applications to join the Marriage Equality case. Moments like these remind us that the struggle for equality is not abstract but rather it impacts the lives, relationships, dignity, and recognition of real people.

As Botswana continues important conversations on human rights and equal protection under the law, we acknowledge the courage of those who continue to advocate for a society where everyone can live, love, and belong without discrimination.

We encourage community members and allies who are able to attend to show their support and witness this important moment.

📍 Gaborone High Court
📅 Monday, 8 June 2026
⏰ 08:00hrs

05/06/2026

SRHR are Human Rights

Everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their body, health, and future.

For trans and gender-diverse people, this includes access to affirming healthcare, accurate information, dignity, privacy, and freedom from discrimination.

What would you like to know about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)? Share your questions in the comments and help shape our upcoming conversations.