Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe

Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) rights organisations in Zimbabwe. GALZ has grown despite general opposition to homosexual rights in Zimbabwe, especially from President Robert Mugabe. GALZ also states as its goal pushing for the repeal of homophobic legislation in Zimbabwe.

While GALZ carries out a range of programming designed to meet the varied needs of the LGBTI population in Zimbabwe, advocacy for the recognition and defence of LGBTI rights, when violated, is central to its work. At the regional level, GALZ often plays a key role in articulating the case for LGBTI rights. GALZ also plays a role in supporting emerging organisations in other countries in the region.

Background

The association rose to prominence in the mid 1990s when it challenged an illegal ban by government on its participation at the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair. At the opening of the 1995 fair, which had as its theme Human Rights and Justice President Robert Mugabe verbally attacked the organisation.later calling gays and lesbians "worse than dogs and pigs" and not deserving of any rights. In 1996, GALZ challenged the government’s ban and won its right to participate in all future ZIBF events.