International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), an annual event occurring on May 17th, is a global initiative that draws the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex persons and all other persons with diverse sexual orientations, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics (LGBTQIA+).

The People’s Matrix Association will celebrate this day on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at Maseru Club Grounds and the European Union in Lesotho will join in solidarity. We will start with a Peace March from Setsoto Stadium to Maseru Club at 11:00 am followed by solidarity speeches from Development Partners, and other allies.

Throughout colonial history, LGBTQIA+ individuals have borne the brunt of various forms of abuse, including instances of discrimination and, tragically, even loss of life. This year’s IDAHOBIT takes place at a time when we witness alarming rates of violence against LGBTQIA+ persons worldwide. Since last year we witnessed new laws criminalising LGBTQIA+ persons, court decisions stigmatising the movement as ‘extremist’ and otherwise leading to further discrimination under the guise of ‘protecting the traditional family’. This goes together with foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including disinformation campaigns targeting the LGBTQIA+ community spreading harmful information and fueling violence and hate speech.

Challenging societal views and stereotypes surrounding gender identities, sex characteristics and expressions ensures an inclusive Lesotho for everyone despite their apparent differences. Furthermore, constitutional provisions and acts emphasize the right to confidentiality and the prohibition of discrimination based on gender identity or expression.

“No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”

The theme of 2024 is ‘No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all’. Just recently, the world celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its crucial role as a global guidepost is clear, yet its assertion that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" is a promise that remains unmet. This is especially the case for LGBTQIA+ individuals and the ones experiencing intersecting layers of inequalities. When human rights of LGBTQIA+ persons around the globe are increasingly under threat, the power of solidarity, partnership and community across national borders is imperative. This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is a call for unity: only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.

The European Union has been a steadfast supporter for the human rights of LGBTQIA+ persons globally. It has been supporting civil society organisations in their endeavours to strengthen the protection of LGBTQIA+ persons, address impunity, violence and stigma experienced by LGBTQIA+ persons, advocate for anti-discriminatory laws and laws that foster further equality, and contribute to building powerful movements across the globe, including in multilateral fora. European Union has also been engaging through political dialogues, human rights dialogues, awareness-raising activities and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights defenders in their work, including in emergency situations. For example, between January 2020 and December 2022, approximately 850 LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders worldwide received support channeled by the EU via the consortium ProtectDefenders.eu.

As partners, parents, and allies, we call on you to reflect on the societal impact of collective silence and its toll on our community. LGBTQIA+ individuals are integral members of our society, deserving recognition, respect, and protection. By addressing the legal and social barriers faced by the LGBTQIA+community, we can collectively contribute to a more just and inclusive Lesotho and echo Morena Moshoeshoe’s sentiment on founding a diverse and inclusive nation.

Khotso! Pula! Nala!