ANOTHER DIALOGUE BY BANANA CLUB

Space for GenZ Queer expression was supported by the EU delegation

Banana Emoji Productions in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union in Botswana hosted yet another instalment of the BANANA CLUB dialogues, on the 25th of September 2021, under the theme, ‘ Gen Z Queer expression’.

Banana Emoji Productions remain resolute in identifying ways in which the multidisciplinary agency can foster initiatives that provide relevant and impactful differences in underrepresented communities. Speakers on the day included Gee Gee Straus, Tom Edek, Dr Lala Mokgatlhe and facilitated by activist and content creator Obakeng Chabanga.

This dialogue was the third collaboration between Banana Emoji Productions and the Delegation of European Union in Botswana. Deputy Head of Delegation, Silvia BoppHamrouni, said: “The European Union is honoured to collaborate with Banana Emoji once again in advocating for the LGBTQI+ community in Botswana. Our Strategy for

LGBTIQ Equality proposes to integrate the fight against discrimination affecting LGBTIQ people in all EU policies and, among other actions, to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace. We champion the use of dialogue to highlight the experiences of LGBTQI+ Batswana and create opportunities for further inclusion and understanding.”

Attendees on the day shared their experiences and concerns with regards to how the portrayal of queer individuals in mass media still has a long way to go before truly being inclusive and respectful. Youth activists in attendance made mention of the need to establish platforms that protest against defamatory coverage of LGBT individuals, especially in Botswana where many public figures were identified to have queer baiting aesthetics though they are not allies.

one. Speaking on the session’s theme, the event facilitator, Obakeng Chabanga said: “With this engagement the goal was to understand the experiences of today’s LGBTQI+ young people born in the years 1995 till now and how media can create more inclusive spaces for them. Younger people are growing up in an environment where being gay, lesbian or bisexual is not as taboo as it was in the past but traditionally media in Botswana still has not successfully created space for them to be seen and represented.”

BANANA CLUB continues to aim at creating platforms for dialogue to lead the conversation about key issues in the youth, creative and predominantly queer community. The club has created a network of individuals and organisations that work together to challenge discourse, educate, empower and engage Batswana at large on matters affecting the youth, creative and LGBTQI+ community.

Concluded Chabanga, “The BANANA

CLUB platform confirms what we have long known - that the LGBTQ community is powerful and a growing force in Botswana, and around the world. Young adults, in particular, feel empowered to publicly claim their identities; a compelling finding and validation for the past generations of LGBTQ advocates who have long fought for full equality.”