Born: January 1988 (Francistown, Botswana)
Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile (born January 1988), also known as Kat Kai Kol-Kes, is a performance artist, musician, writer, and LGBT activist from Botswana. She is known for being the first public figure from the country to openly identify as a transgender person. Kolanyane-Kesupile has made significant contributions to the arts, activism, and the LGBTQ+ community in Botswana and beyond.
Kolanyane-Kesupile was born in January 1988 in Francistown, Botswana. In 2013, she bravely came out as a transgender person, becoming the first to do so openly in the country. This was a pivotal moment, not only for herself but also for the visibility and acceptance of the transgender community in Botswana. Her courage and authenticity have inspired many others to embrace their own identities.
Education has played a crucial role in Kolanyane-Kesupile’s journey. She attended Clifton Primary School and later went on to a boarding school in Durban, South Africa at the age of eighteen. Her thirst for knowledge and personal growth led her to pursue higher education. Kolanyane-Kesupile earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from the University of the Witwatersrand and went on to complete a master’s degree in Human Rights, Culture, and Social Justice from Goldsmiths, University of London. In 2016, she was chosen as a Chevening Scholar, further solidifying her commitment to academic excellence and advancing social change.
As an artist, Kolanyane-Kesupile has used her platform to challenge societal norms and address pressing issues facing marginalized communities. She founded the Queer Shorts Showcase Festival, the first and only LGBT-themed theater festival in Botswana. Through this festival, she has provided a space for LGBTQ+ artists to share their stories and experiences. Kolanyane-Kesupile has also contributed to various publications, including Peolwane Magazine, The Kalahari Review, The Washington Blade, and AfroPUNK.com, using her writing to raise awareness and promote dialogue.
Music is another avenue through which Kolanyane-Kesupile expresses herself. She is a member of the band Chasing Jakyb, where she not only collaborates with fellow musicians but also writes songs in both English and Setswana. The band released their album, Bongo Country, in 2015, showcasing their unique blend of musical styles and cultural influences.
Kolanyane-Kesupile’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2013/2014, she was honored as a Best of Botswana recipient in the Performing Arts category. Additionally, she was a Highly Commended Runner Up for the 2015 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in youth leadership. In 2017, Kolanyane-Kesupile became the first Motswana to be named a TED Global Fellow, recognizing her exceptional work and potential to make a significant impact on a global scale. Her accomplishments and influence on society were once again acknowledged in 2018 when she was featured in the OkayAfrica 100 Women list.
Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile’s journey as a performance artist, musician, writer, and LGBT activist has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. Through her work, she has challenged societal norms, empowered marginalized communities, and fostered dialogue on important social issues. Her advocacy and representation have played a pivotal role in raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community in Botswana and beyond. Kolanyane-Kesupile continues to inspire others to embrace their identities, pursue their passions, and create positive change in the world.