Botswana
She/Her
2023 Cohort
Chantell is a black lesbian from Botswana who identifies as an African womanist theologian. She is extremely passionate about theology as a field of study and a way of life. Her particular areas of interest are how it relates to or intersects with spirituality, sexuality, gender, and monetary statuary.
Comprehensive pleasure-based SRHR programs in the context of religious teachings 
Chantell is a black lesbian from Botswana who identifies as an African womanist theologian. She is extremely passionate about theology as a field of study and a way of life. Her particular areas of interest are how it relates to or intersects with spirituality, sexuality, gender, and monetary statuary. Chantell has a BA in theology, and she focuses on religion, inclusiveness, and their relationship to human rights in her work. She has a long history of LGBTI activism and is currently the regional coordinator for the Global Interfaith Network's Religious Dialogue Partner program. She is also a minister-in-training for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she is studying the word and works of Christ.
Chantell plans to develop and implement comprehensive SRHR programs encompassing pleasure as a core component addressed to religious leaders.
Religious leaders, who often play influential roles in their communities, have a genuine desire to engage in discussions about sexuality. By incorporating pleasure into these conversations, we can bridge the gap between religious teachings and the lived experiences of individuals. Understanding and embracing pleasure within the context of sexual relationships can contribute to healthier and more fulfilling intimate connections. Engaging religious leaders in discussions about pleasure not only provides them with a more comprehensive understanding of human sexuality but also allows them to guide their communities in a more inclusive and supportive manner. By acknowledging pleasure as a natural and positive aspect of sexual relationships, we can challenge harmful stigmas, promote healthy attitudes towards sex, and encourage open dialogues that foster sexual well-being and satisfaction. To seize this missed opportunity, Chantell proposes the development and implementation of comprehensive SRHR programs that encompass pleasure as a core component. These programs would provide accurate information, dispel myths, and address concerns related to pleasure in the context of religious teachings. By engaging religious leaders and their communities in these discussions, we can create safe spaces for conversations about pleasure, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and experience sexual relationships that are both pleasurable and consensual.
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