Strengthening Community Power: Queer WorX Hosts Hlotse Training and Joins Regional Movement-Building at ILGA Conference.

Strengthening Community Power: Queer WorX Hosts Hlotse Training and Joins Regional Movement-Building at ILGA Conference.

Last week was a powerful and transformative moment for Queer WorX as our team stepped into two important spaces, one in Hlotse with our community, and another in Johannesburg where our Executive Director joined regional leaders advocating for equality across Africa.

Community Training in Hlotse: Legal rights education, Building Safer, Stronger Spaces

In Hlotse, Queer WorX facilitated a dynamic training workshop bringing together community members, and the activists. The goal was simple but urgent: strengthen knowledge, expand safe spaces, and deepen understanding of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ people in commercial and social spaces. It was a transformative training workshop aimed at empowering community members with practical skills and knowledge to thrive both personally and professionally. 

The workshop covered key areas essential for growth and independence:

Legal Rights, led by Adv. Ben Mokobori, explored participants’ legal protections and responsibilities, ensuring everyone understands their rights in society.

Financial Literacy and Budgeting, facilitated by Mr. Moeketsi Sefuthi, equipped attendees with practical tools to manage finances and plan for sustainable futures.

Personal Branding, guided by Mr. Poloko Mokhele, helped participants define their unique identities and present themselves confidently in professional and social spaces.

Business Idea, Plan, and Management, taught by Ms. Ntsotiseng Thokoana, gave aspiring entrepreneurs the framework to conceptualize, plan, and manage viable business ventures.

Compliance and Business Rights, led by Adv. Thapelo Ntsiki reinforced the importance of understanding regulations and obligations for small businesses and startups.

The sessions were highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions, group activities, and real-life experiences. The presence of external experts made the learning experience even richer, providing both practical knowledge and professional mentorship.

By the end of the workshop, attendees left with concrete skills, newfound confidence, and actionable plans to improve their financial independence, professional presence, and entrepreneurial ventures. This kind of capacity-building reminds us that empowerment starts with knowledge and community support. It was a reminder that advocacy begins at home, within communities that are willing to learn, unlearn, and stand together to grow as a community.

The workshop closed with renewed commitment from participants to champion dignity, inclusion, and economic change in their own circles. Moments like these keep our work grounded and community-led.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to The Other Foundation and Gender Links for making the training possible. Their continued support and commitment to community empowerment allowed us to bring essential knowledge, skills, and resources directly to the people who need them most. Their partnership strengthens our ability to build safer, informed, and economically empowered communities in Lesotho.

Executive Director Represents Lesotho at ILGA Conference in Johannesburg

At the same time, our Executive Director travelled to Johannesburg to attend the ILGA regional conference, one of Africa’s largest gatherings dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, activism, and movement-building.

The conference brought together leaders, organisations, and human rights defenders from across the continent. 

” Last week I had the privilege of attending the PAN African ILGA 7th Regional Conference in Johannesburg under the theme Unbreakable, our pride, our power, our future. What a meaningful week this was, to connect with activists and advocates from across the continent, asking hard questions about the future of our movements, and grounding ourselves in solidarity.”

They returned inspired and deeply moved. Mental health and wellness were at the center of many conversations. The plenary on resilience and healing created an honest space to discuss trauma, peer support, and the duty of care that organisations hold. Earlier in the week, a session on queer-centered healing highlighted the value of reflection and grounding oneself. Participants also confronted the difficult question of how to defend rights when pressure rises and civic space closes.

“I come back with renewed energy, a fuller heart and a deeper commitment to the work ahead. The trip opened pathways for new partnerships, capacity-building opportunities, and future collaborations that will directly benefit our local work.’’ They explained.

A Week of Growth, Visibility, and Connection.

From Hlotse to Johannesburg, last week reminded us that our movement thrives both in community spaces and regional platforms. Every dialogue, every shared story, and every partnership brings us closer to a Lesotho where everyone can live freely, safely, and proudly.

Queer WorX remains committed to creating spaces of learning, healing, and empowerment whether in our local communities or across borders.

Together, we keep building. Together, we keep moving.