Botswana | Activists slam “misleading” video about LGBTI sexuality
mambaonline.comLGBTI activists in Botswana are alarmed by a video shared on social media that they say is perpetuating negative and dangerous stereotypes. In the clip, a seemingly inebriated man is filmed talking about having sex with other men for money.
He also claims that he does not use a condom. It’s not clear who made the video, what their intention was and if the man was in a position to consent to being filmed.
It has, however, gone viral and has generated hundreds of comments on social media, many of them homophobic. In a statement, LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) said the video is being used to paint the LGBTI community in a negative light; particularly as “predators” who “exploit” vulnerable men and youth into having sex for money. “The gay community should [be] blamed 1, there is to much money involved that u can’t resist 2, poverty is increasing time to time, so the way of living u get that demonic spirit [and] join them for money,” said a person on Facebook.
One accused gay people of targeting “this struggling [guy] to satisfy their sexual needs” and yet another warned that “they are turning other men into gays.” The narrative of individuals being “recruited” into homosexuality is a widespread one in many African countries.
