Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
years due to the homophobic statements of leaders in neighbouring Namibia and Zimbab-
we.
To tackle this widespread homophobia, a group of lesbians, gays and bisexuals estab-
lished the group
LeGaBiBo
(Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana; 393 2516;
www.legabibo.org.bw
;
5062 Medical Mews, Fairgrounds, Gaborone)
in 1998. The first
thing they did was to publish a human-rights charter under the auspices of Ditshwanelo,
the Botswana Centre for Human Rights, and they have since run safe-sex workshops to
highlight the risks of HIV/AIDS.
Arrests are rare, but the Botswana High Court has ruled on a case involving two gay
men. In its judgment, passed in July 2003, it found that 'the time has not yet arrived to de-
criminalise homosexual practices even between consenting adult males in private'. Ditsh-
wanelo continues to advocate and lobby for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In
2011 LeGaBiBo launched a legal case against the government, arguing that current laws
criminalising homosexuality were unconstitutional and that homophobia was 'un-Afric-
an'.
Given the sensitivity of the subject and the strongly held views of many Batswana, it is
advisable to refrain from any overt displays of affection in public.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Afriboyz
(
www.afriboyz.com/Homosexuality-in-Africa.html
)
Links to gay topics in an
African context.
David Tours
(
www.davidtravel.com
)
Can arrange seven- and 12-day trips to northern
Botswana, all with a gay focus.
Global Gayz
(
www.globalgayz.com
)
Links to country-by-country gay issues, including
Botswana.
Purple Roofs
(
www.purpleroofs.com/africa/kenyata.html
)
Lists a number of gay or gay-
friendly tour companies in South Africa and elsewhere that may be able to help you plan
your trip.
Insurance
Two words: get some! A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems
is a very sensible precaution. Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
. You can buy, extend and claim online anytime -
even if you're already on the road.
