Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Lesotho face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.

Nevertheless, attitudes towards members of the LGBTQ community are slowly evolving and becoming more tolerant and accepting, in line with worldwide trends.

By 1941, boukonchana relationships, public cross-dressing and same-sex marriage ceremonies were commonplace in Lesotho and the Basotho community in South Africa.

Nowadays, there is widespread denial that these practices ever occurred, and Basotho men possess a strong "macho" reputation where heterosexual promiscuity is widely celebrated.

[9] Section 127(4) of the Children's Protection and Welfare Act 2011 states that "No child may be unfairly discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, sex, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, birth or socio-economic status in the selection of a diversion programme, process or option and all children shall have equal access to diversion options.

Section 8(1) states: "The Director shall take reasonable practicable steps to ensure that personal information entered into the Register is complete, accurate and updated where necessary".

[13] Similarly to other Southern African countries, reports of discrimination, family rejection, violence and harassment against LGBTQ people are not uncommon.

It strives "to build an environment where LGBTQ people can freely express their human rights, and contribute to the social, political and economical development of Lesotho".

[14] The U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 stated that:[18] Acts of Violence, Discrimination, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity The law prohibited consensual sexual relations between men, but authorities did not enforce it.

LGBTI rights groups complained of discrimination in access to health care and participation in religious activities.

For instance, in December 2015 the brothers of a woman who identified herself as a lesbian forced her out of her home when they discovered her sexual identity.

Approximately 200 individuals, mainly family and friends of LGBTI persons, marched peacefully and without incident from Lakeside (city outskirts) to Central Park in Maseru.

Addressing the media in June following the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing said the government would look into decriminalizing same-sex relationships to stop the spread of HIV.