What do the people of Botswana think of gay/lesbian people?

[u/Peak_Legacy14]

I’m not gay, nor am I from Botswana, but I’ve heard a few things on this topic, and there’s no better way to find out than to ask the people themselves.

What do the people of Botswana think of gays? The best wording of the question would be ‘Do you automatically think less of a person if you find out they’re gay?’

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[u/ThatOne_268]

Mhhh! In my experience,Batswana are vehemently homophobic but they are also very chill harmless people so gays and lesbians are not violently attacked for their sexuality (most times). But just look at any Facebook post addressing LGBTQ issues you will see how inherently homophobic we are.

My parents were very old but incredibly progressive so most of our family is LGBTQ friendly even though we don’t have any gay or lesbian relatives.

[u/on_my_maMa]

I'm a lesbian myself, a lot of people I've met are not bigoted - they are mostly just curious and will leave you alone once you explain.

[u/Goodenough101]

Their body. Their lives. Their choices

[u/thatandrogirl]

I’ve talked to a family member from Botswana in her early 40s about it. She’s not vehemently against gay people but she says she doesn’t think homosexuality should be promoted in Botswana because they’re already struggling with population numbers. I know another Motswana who is gay but closeted. He has a lover but my family member who knows him says that he spends all his money on his lover because as a gay man in Botswana, you need to have money to keep a lover. Not sure how popular these opinions and observations are amongst most Batswana but this is just what I’ve heard from Batswana I know.

[u/Phoenix8624 → u/thatandrogirl]

Is the ideology of needing money to keep a lover applicable to heterosexual couples in Botswana as well? Or is that just the thinking of those family members need in regards to this person’s queer relationship?

[u/thatandrogirl → u/Phoenix8624]

I’m honestly not sure. I mean, I think people can form genuine relationships in any country so I don’t doubt there are sincere gay relationships that aren’t tied to finances in Botswana. This is just what my friend and family member have observed/experienced.

[u/xojulietinvaxo → u/thatandrogirl]

Struggling with numbers? More people should be gay. There are too many people on this planet. We’ve destroyed what we have.

[u/Lushlala7]

I have no more issues with gay people than I do with heterosexuals. All my people, friends and family are also cool with them. But the wider Botswana? Lord, these people can be very homophobic!! There’s hardly any in between. But having tried to educate people on the subject, because some people strongly believe homosexuality is a lifestyle choice, I’ve observed they hold very deep rooted beliefs that are very misguided. So I’d say it mainly comes from a very ignorant place.

[u/ThatOne_268 → u/Lushlala7]

OMG i missed you friend, nearly dmd you on Friday. Hope you have been well.

[u/Lushlala7 → u/ThatOne_268]

Hey, matey! Missed you too. I needed time away, and even now, I’m not quite there yet. I’ll DM you. Hope you’ve been well, too 😍

[u/Lushlala7 → u/ThatOne_268]

Btw I don’t seem to have received your DM😅

[u/Reverend-Machiavelli]

I find that some people like to pretend non-heteronormativity does not exist. Very sad.

[u/MacheteDropOut]

Generally - it isn’t an issue as we have public figures who are openly gay.

[u/StockReception2624]

they chilled with it, the president kicked that anti gay guy from usa out, once, was kinda funny.

[u/Rude-Speech6261 → u/StockReception2624]

He even made a documentary on YouTube about it .Unfortunately I cant find it now ..Pastor Anderson

[u/TawBw1]

Even though I don’t agree with some of his policies President Trump, but I am thankful the agenda LGBTQ ,pronouns agenda has cooled down , thus making it less publicized in our country .The funding of such programs stopped/suspended

[u/Rude-Speech6261]

My stand - same as Uganda, Ghana governments

[u/i_am_armz]

Most Africans don't tolerate that filth. Personally, I can't care less what people do with their bodies; it's none of my business. I however firmly hold the opinion that it's not African, not natural, and it's filth.