Est. 2008 · Registered 2010 · Gaborone, Botswana

Every person deserves to live with dignity.

Rainbow Identity Association is Botswana's first established human rights organisation dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity and wellbeing of transgender and intersex persons.

Our Story ▶

2008 Founded

2010 Formally Registered

3 Flagship Programmes

18+ Years of Advocacy

Our Story

A trusted voice, built over 18 years.

Rainbow Identity Association (RIA) was established in 2008 in response to the unique challenges faced by transgender and intersex communities in Botswana. A significant milestone came in 2010, when RIA achieved formal registration after years of dedicated advocacy and perseverance. Since then, RIA has grown into a trusted voice for transgender and intersex rights providing a safe and welcoming space where community members and allies can access support, build connections, organise collectively, and advance advocacy efforts. Today, RIA continues to champion equality through advocacy, research, training, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships, working towards a Botswana where transgender and intersex persons are recognised, respected, and able to live with dignity and equal opportunity.

Vision

A socially and legally recognised transgender and intersex community in Botswana.

Mission

To advocate for the inclusion of transgender and intersex persons in national policies and legal frameworks.

Read Our Story

Our Programmes

Three programs. One movement.

Direct support for individuals, and long-term programmes that shift policy and culture. Both are how lasting change gets made.

Collective Power

Our transgender-focused flagship programme advancing legal gender recognition, SRHR, and key population programming through community leadership.

Hands Off Our Genitals

Our intersex-focused programme protecting bodily autonomy and advocating to end non-consensual surgical interventions on intersex infants and children.