Pride Of Africa GABORONE 2026
Gaborone Pride 2026, also known as Pride of Africa, continues to be a beacon of solidarity for Botswana's lgbtq+Q+ community in the nation's capital. Held in the country's capital, the celebration is both a vibrant festival and a powerful statement about visibility and acceptance. Gaborone has been hosting Pride events for over a decade, gradually building momentum as more people join the movement and new allies come forward. Each year, the community gathers to celebrate its diversity through music, dance and storytelling while also calling attention to the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people in Botswana.
In June 2025 the Pride Walk took to the streets of Gaborone under the theme “Still We Stand: Our Voice. Our Power. Our Pride.” Organized with support from UNAIDS and the local rights group LEGABIBO, participants marched from the organisation’s offices to the United Nations House. The route allowed people to be seen and heard, waving rainbow flags and singing while passing by government buildings and crowded markets. At the end of the walk, activists and allies gathered for speeches that addressed the need for equality and the importance of protecting the rights of lgbtq+Q+ citizens.
LEGABIBO used the occasion to remind everyone why Pride remains necessary. In a statement they said that the gathering was “a powerful assertion of our presence, our dignity, and our right to exist fully and freely.” They noted that the march was not only for those who were able to attend, but also “for those still denied their freedoms, and for future generations who deserve to inherit a more just and inclusive society.” This message resonated with the crowd, many of whom brought friends and family to experience the sense of belonging that Pride fosters. UNAIDS Botswana echoed these sentiments and emphasised the importance of centering the voices of communities in the HIV response.
The history of Pride in Gaborone is intertwined with Botswana’s legal and social milestones. In 2019 the High Court struck down colonial-era laws criminalising same-sex relationships, a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021. While this was a significant victory, discrimination and hostility still persist. Pride events therefore serve not only as celebrations but also as reminders of the work that remains. Speakers at the 2025 gathering highlighted the need for comprehensive protections in employment, housing and healthcare, and they called for greater education to combat prejudice. The sense of solidarity across the Southern African region was palpable, as the same weekend saw Pride marches in Eswatini and other countries, underscoring the shared struggle for equality.
Beyond the march itself, the week around Pride features various cultural happenings. In previous years there have been art exhibitions, open-mic nights and film screenings that showcase queer stories from Botswana and beyond. Local musicians and dancers provide entertainment at community stages, while NGOs host workshops on topics like mental health, self-care and legal rights. Businesses around the city often decorate their storefronts with rainbow colours, and some cafés and bars organise themed nights to mark the occasion. For many residents, Pride is one of the few times each year when they can express themselves openly without fear, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience.
Visitors from outside Botswana often remark on the warmth of Gaborone’s hospitality. The city might not be as sprawling as other capitals, but its parks, museums and restaurants offer plenty to explore. Travellers who plan to attend Pride are encouraged to arrive early to take in the vibrant markets or visit the National Museum, and to respect local customs and regulations. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to larger hotels. As June is winter in Botswana, evenings can be cool, so packing a light jacket is advisable.
The exact dates and programme for Pride of Africa Gaborone 2026 have yet to be announced, but organisers are expected to schedule the march toward the end of June to coincide with International Pride Month. The theme will likely build on 2025’s call to stand firm in the face of adversity. Keep an eye on LEGABIBO’s official channels and local news outlets for updates on registration, volunteering and satellite events. Whether you’re a long-time activist or a first-time attendee, participating in Pride in Gaborone offers a chance to celebrate authenticity, honour those who fought for freedom and envision a more inclusive future for Botswana and the region.
In June 2025 the Pride Walk took to the streets of Gaborone under the theme “Still We Stand: Our Voice. Our Power. Our Pride.” Organized with support from UNAIDS and the local rights group LEGABIBO, participants marched from the organisation’s offices to the United Nations House. The route allowed people to be seen and heard, waving rainbow flags and singing while passing by government buildings and crowded markets. At the end of the walk, activists and allies gathered for speeches that addressed the need for equality and the importance of protecting the rights of lgbtq+Q+ citizens.
LEGABIBO used the occasion to remind everyone why Pride remains necessary. In a statement they said that the gathering was “a powerful assertion of our presence, our dignity, and our right to exist fully and freely.” They noted that the march was not only for those who were able to attend, but also “for those still denied their freedoms, and for future generations who deserve to inherit a more just and inclusive society.” This message resonated with the crowd, many of whom brought friends and family to experience the sense of belonging that Pride fosters. UNAIDS Botswana echoed these sentiments and emphasised the importance of centering the voices of communities in the HIV response.
The history of Pride in Gaborone is intertwined with Botswana’s legal and social milestones. In 2019 the High Court struck down colonial-era laws criminalising same-sex relationships, a decision that was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021. While this was a significant victory, discrimination and hostility still persist. Pride events therefore serve not only as celebrations but also as reminders of the work that remains. Speakers at the 2025 gathering highlighted the need for comprehensive protections in employment, housing and healthcare, and they called for greater education to combat prejudice. The sense of solidarity across the Southern African region was palpable, as the same weekend saw Pride marches in Eswatini and other countries, underscoring the shared struggle for equality.
Beyond the march itself, the week around Pride features various cultural happenings. In previous years there have been art exhibitions, open-mic nights and film screenings that showcase queer stories from Botswana and beyond. Local musicians and dancers provide entertainment at community stages, while NGOs host workshops on topics like mental health, self-care and legal rights. Businesses around the city often decorate their storefronts with rainbow colours, and some cafés and bars organise themed nights to mark the occasion. For many residents, Pride is one of the few times each year when they can express themselves openly without fear, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience.
Visitors from outside Botswana often remark on the warmth of Gaborone’s hospitality. The city might not be as sprawling as other capitals, but its parks, museums and restaurants offer plenty to explore. Travellers who plan to attend Pride are encouraged to arrive early to take in the vibrant markets or visit the National Museum, and to respect local customs and regulations. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to larger hotels. As June is winter in Botswana, evenings can be cool, so packing a light jacket is advisable.
The exact dates and programme for Pride of Africa Gaborone 2026 have yet to be announced, but organisers are expected to schedule the march toward the end of June to coincide with International Pride Month. The theme will likely build on 2025’s call to stand firm in the face of adversity. Keep an eye on LEGABIBO’s official channels and local news outlets for updates on registration, volunteering and satellite events. Whether you’re a long-time activist or a first-time attendee, participating in Pride in Gaborone offers a chance to celebrate authenticity, honour those who fought for freedom and envision a more inclusive future for Botswana and the region.