A study by the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) has revealed that universities in Zimbabwe are not yet open to supporting LGBTI people. This, the study concludes, results is LGBTI people suffering from stigma and as a result, depression.
GALZ director, Chester Samba told The Standard that the organisation therefore needs to invest in engaging universities and the ministry of higher education to address the climate of university campuses for LGBTI people.
Said Samba:
We’re working to foster student development in an environment that is appropriate, non-stigmatising and non-discriminatory and formulating strategies to reduce presence of homophobia and transphobia in institutions of learning.
So far the university is not so open to support LGBTI even though there are some members of staff who are accepting and understanding to our issues.
We have a long way to go before the inclusion of LGBTI people in unversities.
Most universities are blind when it comes to issues of sexuality and them refusing to confront such relaities is what is making most LGBTI persons suffer from depression.
The universities in Zimbabwe are so much inclined to government ideologies which are profouond on an individual and claimed to be cemented by tradition.
Institutions included in the research include UZ, Great Zimbabwe University, MSU, NUST and nine others.
More: The Standard