Maseru, Jan. 20 — Following a debate in the Senate on whether the identity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) persons should be confirmed by medical doctors, activist and also Executive Director at People’s Matrix, Tampose Mothopeng has described such a proposal as unfair and discriminatory.
In an interview, Mothopeng said gender identity is not subject to medical approval but is a natural and personal experience. “It is not about how people see me, but about how I feel and how I portray myself,” they said.
Mothopeng added that Lesotho currently has no clear guidelines on how LGBTQIA+ identities should be handled, noting that calling for doctors to approve someone’s identity is contradictory in the absence of such a framework.
Referring to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1973, Section 22, Mothopeng explained that the law allows a child’s sex to be altered in the births register if, after registration, the child changes from female to male or vice versa through an operation or otherwise, provided the change is certified by a registered medical practitioner and approved by the registrar upon application by the parent or guardian.
“We are advocating for a change to this section,” Mothopeng said. “It should state that upon reaching adulthood, a person can change their gender through bodily autonomy. It should not depend solely on parents, because sometimes parents may push their own agendas.”
Mothopeng further told the Agency that they are encouraged by the progress made by some institutions and government departments in recognising LGBTQIA+ identities and reviewing their policies accordingly.
They commended the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Labour, saying both have adjusted certain policies and regulations to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ persons.
“In schools, we are seeing positive changes. The LGBTQIA+ community is receiving a good reception from both teachers and learners. The same applies in some workplaces. We now feel more at ease, knowing that education and awareness are making a difference,” Mothopeng said.
Meanwhile, Chief Masupha expressed concern over what he described as an increasing frequency of changes in gender identity, arguing that such changes can be confusing and should be validated by medical professionals. He said doctors, due to their expertise, are best placed to determine an individual’s biological sex, whether male, female, or otherwise.
Chief Masupha acknowledged that some people are born with conditions that do not align with typical gender norms but said such cases are rare and should be approached with medical guidance. He criticised what he termed a growing trend of individuals transitioning between genders and expecting society to accept these changes unconditionally.
“This is confusing,” Chief Masupha said, emphasising the need for a medical basis to support such transitions.
Principal Chief of Kueneng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, shared similar concerns, stating that LGBTQI identities are complex and not adequately addressed by current understanding. He said community leaders are struggling to navigate these issues and called for medical insights to better inform their positions.
Chief Peete also noted that within Lesotho’s traditional Christian context, there is a clear distinction between male and female according to religious teachings, which further complicates the discussion.
Both Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso of Likhoele and Principal Chief Bereng Api of Ramabanta called for a more comprehensive approach to LGBTQI issues. They acknowledged that while these matters are deeply challenging, it is important for both leaders and the public to take time to understand the diverse experiences of LGBTQI individuals.
They urged an adaptive and open-minded approach, recognising that societal norms are evolving and require careful and thoughtful consideration.
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