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The Centre for the Development of People (Cedp) and Angaza Foundation have organized a public lecture on sexual orientation today at EdgeWater Court in Lilongwe on Friday, October 31 2025, from 5:30pm. The lecture, to be held under the theme ‘Building Inclusive Public Services through Understanding of Sexual orientation and Diversity’ aims to promote inclusion and equitable access to public services for LGBTQI+ individuals. In an interview, Cedep executive director Gift Trapence said there is need to have an evidence-based understanding of sexual diversity, encouraging respectful communication among service providers and the broader public. He said: “LGBTQI+ individuals in Malawi often face stigma and discrimination across public services, which limits their participation and access. “By promoting empathy, inclusive language, and informed dialogue, the public lecture contributes to more welcoming, equitable, and affirming public services, supporting improved service uptake, social inclusion, and overall well-being in line with national equity and human rights principles.” Keynote Presentation titled ‘The Science of Sexual Diversity’ will be done by Dr Chisale Mhango, but will also have other panelists like Professor Frank Taulo, Habiba Osman from MHRC, Reverend Vincent Chirwa. On his part, Professor Taulo said they want to convene a national conversation where all sectors bag heads on the matter. “We want to have a medical perspective of this issue, that there is something which people need to understand that can maybe help in lessening the stigma and the fear associated with the sexual diversity. “We want to bring all the stakeholders under one roof and have an understanding so that maybe it can also help those affected to have an easier access to services in the hospitals than having a fear that if you go to hospital will be castigated,” he said. Taulo stressed that they are simply sharing a medical perspective to help the communities to have a conversation and live in harmony as a people of different sexual orientation.
