LOSS OF A LGBTI LEADER IN LESOTHO

Loss of LGBT Leader in Lesotho

Bafokeng Joseph Kaibe passed away on 27 November 2009. He was involved in a car accident and died instantly.

Bafokeng was a pioneer in the LGBTI movement in Lesotho. He was a leader and coordinator of the small discussion groups, where a handful of people from Lesotho would meet in any place that would take them to express themselves freely and talk about issues that affect them most.

These small groups grew and morphed until one day they became a national office facilitating the first MSM / WSW study funded by UNDP with a membership of over 150 people.

Bafokeng was not only a leader but also a dear friend. He was a talkative who never met a stranger. Anyone who met Bafokeng was immediately greeted with a smile and brought instantly into his world.

The LGBTI community and friends miss him terribly. He has left a mark on our hearts and minds, and as we go forward into equality and acceptance, we bring him with us and can hear him encouraging us along the way.

Judith Lebona, Darrin Adams and Matrix Support Group, Lesotho