Understanding and accepting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities across the country remains a challenge. 

For this reason, the Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID) is conducting a review of its "Guide to Inclusivity: Africa and Human Sexuality."

This comprehensive guide seeks to address challenges related to the discrimination and stigmatisation of LGBTQ+ individuals by promoting inclusive education and policies.

"As of recently, we've seen an increase in transphobia and homophobia, but this project in particular focuses on hate speech and discrimination. So the guide seeks to amplify the stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ in Africa and in Namibia in particular. The reason is that people say homosexuality is not African, so it's not only to debunk that narrative but to highlight that these are people we live with and to document their history and stories," explained NID Programme Manager Jacinta Kasume.

This guide also seeks to underscore the need for a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and inclusion, aligning with global human rights standards and Namibia's commitment to a more equitable society.

It will also be used to guide the public, policymakers, and the media on how to address issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community. 

"There are lots of types of discrimination going on, and most of them are against the queer community. Having made that promise that we are not leaving anyone behind, we cannot judge people based on their sexuality, skin colour, or social status, and there are terms and terminologies that are being used and are not familiar to everybody. That is why the NID is going to make a guide that will explain to citizens what it means to be part of the queer community and what important terminologies to know and questions to ask," said NID ED Naita Haishoono.

NID provided media practitioners with a platform to provide their input on the guide and how the media can report on matters related to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Although they commended the media for how it has been covering and reporting on LGBTQ people, they were quick to point out that more can still be done. 

"Media is the fourth estate; it's part of civil society and takes the information to society. That's why we want input from them to tell us how we explain this and that and the language, so we don't have insight into hate, violence, and discrimination. There is a level of understanding, but we can always do more as a country and not report in a way that is insightful." 

Hishoono also noted that there are centres and organisations in Namibia that can help people understand the LGBTQ+ community and assist people from this community. 

"Because your child might come up to you and say, 'Mom or Dad, I am gay', and most people don't know how to react; they wouldn't think about it. They like to ask for help from organisations that can assist with this, but there are positive vibes from sister Namibia, LAC, NID, and others. Many organisations are there to help citizens. What does it mean if your child tells you I am trans, gay, or lesbian? It's not a death sentence or something to worry about, but it's something we don't have control over." 

NID is also expected to consult parliamentarians in the coming days, and once the guide is done, it will be made public to all.