What's life like for LGBTQ people in Zimbabwe?

Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is it legal to be gay?

Homosexuality is illegal.It was back in 1891 that same-sex sexual activity was made illegal in the country now known as Zimbabwe — this is another example of British colonial rule impacting contemporary life for gay men around the world.

But we can’t blame it all on Britain — in 2006 the Zimbabwe government decided to strengthen the common law position and passed additional laws to specifically criminalise any actions perceived as being homosexual.It is now a criminal offence for two people of the same sex to hold hands, hug, or kiss.

Is there anti-discrimination legislation in place?

There is no protection against discrimination.There was a court ruling in 2015 that suggested that “…no person should be fired from work on the basis of their sexual orientation…” however it’s unclear whether that appeal judgment has been upheld in any way as a precedent.

Is there marriage equality?

There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.Local support and advocacy group GALZ has confirmed that marriage is not currently on the agenda of Zimbabwe’s LGBTI community:We still suffer from basic humiliations such as the criminalisation of sexual acts between men, violence, vitriolic verbal attacks and ridicule from our national leaders.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is a socially conservative country.Political leaders speak out against homosexuality and actively support anti-gay campaigns.Gay people are routinely blackmailed, detained, killed, beaten, and raped by Zimbabwe’s authorities.

Suicide attempts are reportedly common among gay people.

HIV and AIDS is a major health issue for Zimbabwe, with antiretroviral drugs too expensive for many people.