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Bokang "Beekay" Bane

–Founding Executive Director

I am a pharmacist, holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) from the National University of Lesotho and the Founding Executive Director of Queer WorX, a Lesotho-based non-profit organisation. I am passionate about advancing LGBTIQ+ economic and social inclusion – promoting an equitable environment that enables queer Basotho to thrive. Queer WorX seeks to address systemic barriers that prevent full participation of queer Basotho especially in the economic landscape, through targeted programmes and advocacy efforts.

My passion for public health is rooted in the understanding of the socioeconomic determinants of health, especially as they impact LGBTIQ+ individuals. I believe that achieving health equity and social justice requires an intersectional approach that addresses the complex interplay of social, economic, and health determinants. I strive to bridge my expertise as both a pharmacist and an activist to drive meaningful change that centres equity and inclusivity for all.

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Neo Kabi

Head of Programmes

Neo is an African child of the Basotho soil a woman who is also lesbian and masculine existing through patriarchal society as a change agent. As an LBQ activist, Neo champions the rights and well-being of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women.

With a focus on mental health and economic inclusion, Neo has been instrumental in creating safe spaces and amplifying marginalized voices within the LGBTQI+ community. Neo bring wealth of experience of innovative and strategic skills program implementation – fulfilling tasks and milestones aligned to Queer WorX and her own personal goals toward the LGBTIQA+ activism in Lesotho and regionally.

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Tsebo Phakisi

Head of Community Outreach and Communication

Tsebo is the Communications Director at Queer WorX. “At the heart of who I am is that I am a healer interested in remembering the divinity that exists in all of us. This pursuit is rooted deeply in looking back to the past as a compass for reimagining a present and future within which those who live in it thrive and live abundant lives.” A passionate advocate and healer, Tsebo is committed to creating spaces where the LGBTQI+ community thrives.

By blending art, advocacy, and cultural wisdom, Tsebo believes that social disruption and infiltration of our ways of being by colonization have seen the ways we humanized each other being replaced by imports of colonization such as queerphobia and as such, before a person is seen as human, they are often marginalized based on their queerness.

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Leshoboro "Shooby-Doo" Mokhameleli

Development Manager

Shooby is a dynamic leader at the intersection of public health as a health communication consultant, human rights advocate using Gender Equity, Diversity and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens to relate the two areas. He is an accredited Change Management expert with burning passion to talent acquisition through inclusive and transformative organizational culture.

With expertise in journalism, communication, change management, and demand generation, Shooby crafts compelling narratives and strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote awareness and social equity.

About Queer WorX

Welcome Note

Welcome to the Queer WorX website, a space dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable Lesotho for the LGBTIQ+ community and all stakeholders.

Queer WorX exists to address the systemic marginalization faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in Lesotho. This marginalization extends beyond legal discrimination to encompass social stigma, limited economic opportunities, and barriers to personal and professional growth. By prioritizing economic inclusion, we empower LGBTIQ+ individuals to overcome these obstacles, break free from the chains of discrimination, and contribute meaningfully to a more just and equitable society.

Queer WorX website serves as a platform for:

  • Community building to connect with LGBTIQ+ individuals, allies and society at large.
  • Information sharing - providing resources, news, and updates on relevant issues.
  • Advocacy: raising awareness and mobilising support for LGBTIQ+ rights.

The commitment to, ‘leaving no one behind’ demands a deliberate focus on those most marginalised. Economic inclusion is not a standalone effort but an integral part of a comprehensive strategy for social equality. By advocating for fair employment, entrepreneurship support, skills sharing, and financial literacy programs, we hope our community will be empowered to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Embracing diversity is not just a matter of social justice, but also a powerful driver of economic growth. When society accepts and values all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, it fosters more inclusive workplaces, increased productivity, and the full utilisation of human potential. This leads to a reduction in the economic disparities that have plagued our society for far too long.

By weaving economic and social inclusion into the core of our advocacy, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

About Queer WorX

Queer WorX was born as an answer for an inclusive activism, which views LGBTIQ+ individuals beyond their diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. We are driven by the core principle of equality and a vision of a world where LGBTQI+ voices are not only heard but celebrated.

Queer WorX envisions an inclusive Lesotho where LGBTQ+ individuals not only survive but thrive economically. Grounded in theories of human capital and economic potential, our strategic approach combines economic activities, vocational training, and wellness programs. Through empowerment, education, and mentorship, we aim to build a resilient LGBTQ+ community that contributes meaningfully to Lesotho's social fabric. By adopting an achievement of capabilities framework, we foster self-sufficiency and economic independence among our community members.

Queer WorX aligns with the global discourse on the 'cost of exclusion.' Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community not only inflicts personal harm but also hinders societal progress. By excluding LGBTQ+ individuals from economic participation, nations forfeit valuable human capital and stifle innovation. We advocate for an inclusive approach that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community as essential contributors to a thriving society.

Our Mission

At Queer WorX, our mission is to strengthen Lesotho’s LGBTIQ+ community by promoting and advocating for economic and social inclusion, equity, and self-sufficiency – with a key focus on supporting LGBTIQ+ youth and Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ) women.

Our Vision

Queer WorX envisions a Lesotho where all LGBTQ+ individuals achieve their full potential, living with dignity, freedom, and economic prosperity, and contributing fully to a vibrant and inclusive nation.

We embody values of Love:

Inclusion, Equality, Humanity, Trust, Intersectionality, Empowerment, Diversity, and Advocacy to create a more inclusive and empowered society.

Our Team

Bokang "Beekay" Bane

Founding Executive Director

Neo Kabi

Head of Programmes

Tsebo Phakisi

Head of Community Outreach and Communication

Leshoboro "Shooby-Doo" Mokhameleli

Development Manager

Our Partners

Contacts

Phone

+266 5890 3870

Mail

info[at]queerworx.org.ls

Location

Maseru Lesotho