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ABOUT US
GALZ is a universitas, voluntary membership-based organisation established in 1990 to promote, protect and represent the rights and interests of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex [LGBTI] community in Zimbabwe. It is constituted primarily to provide a service to Lesbian women, Gay men, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex persons (LGBTI Persons) and is not formed for the purposes of coercing or persuading anyone to lead the lifestyle of any particular sexual orientation or preference or gender identity.
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MISSION
To promote, represent and protect the rights and interests of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people through: Advocacy, Lobbying, Empowerment, Education, Research and Provision of
Safe Spaces.
VISION
GALZ's overall vision is a just society that promotes and protects LGBTI People are treated as equal citizens in Zimbabwe.
VALUES
Our Values are; Love, Space, Infinity, Teamwork, Bodies, Resistence, Belonging, Determination, Courage and Boldness to exist.
Late 1980s: Post-Independence
In the decade following independence, a nascent gay and lesbian social scene emerged in Zimbabwe’s major cities. By the late 1980s, community members recognised the need for formal support structures, laying the groundwork for what would become GALZ.
Historical Timeline
September 1990: The Saga
GALZ was officially launched in Harare with roughly 70 initial members, making it Zimbabwe’s first community-led LGBTI organisation. Early membership was largely male, white or mixed-race professionals, but the group immediately set out to provide peer support, safe spaces and advocacy in a deeply hostile environment.
1995: Zimbabwe International Book Fair controversy
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When GALZ hosted a stall at the Harare Book Fair, President Mugabe publicly decried homosexuality as “unnatural,” cancelling the organisation’s registration and triggering state-led repression, including police raids and intimidation. This backlash, however, drew widespread solidarity, from Amnesty International’s letter-writing campaigns to support from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and marked a turning point for both GALZ and global awareness of Zimbabwe’s human-rights plight.
1995–1997: State-led raids and infiltration
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In the aftermath of the Book Fair backlash, GALZ offices and safe-meeting spaces were repeatedly raided by police and the Central Intelligence Organisation. Government spies infiltrated the group and members faced detention, extortion, beatings and other abuses, a period of intense harassment that tested the organisation’s resilience.
1996–1997: International backing and office establishment
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In the fallout from the Book Fair crisis, Amnesty International adopted GALZ activists as Human Rights Defenders, while the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission maintained sustained advocacy. Crucially, funding from HIVOS and the Southern African AIDS Trust enabled GALZ to open its first resource offices, anchoring its operations in a more secure physical base.
1998: Coalition-building and human-rights advocacy
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GALZ joined the National Constitutional Assembly, a coalition calling for a new constitution and participated in a high-risk Human Rights Day march through central Harare despite police threats. This alignment with broader civic movements expanded its influence beyond strictly LGBTI concerns.
2000: Membership peak and diversification
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Membership grew to about 500, signalling both increased visibility and the broadening of GALZ’s base to include diverse gender identities and ethnic backgrounds, even as intensified repression later prompted some members to seek asylum abroad.
2002: Affinity Group Programme and regional expansion
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To reach members outside Harare, GALZ launched the Affinity Group Programme, offering training in proposal writing, financial management and strategic planning in urban centres such as Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo. This led to the establishment of permanent resource centres in those regions.
2004: All Africa Rights Initiative
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At the inaugural All Africa Symposium on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights in Johannesburg, GALZ joined 21 other organisations to launch the All Africa Rights Initiative, cementing its role within pan-African LGBTI advocacy networks.
2005 & 2015: Felipa de Souza Awards
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GALZ was twice honoured by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, first in 2005 and again in 2015, for outstanding human-rights work amid severe repression.
November 2017: ZANU-PF meeting
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In the wake of Former President Mugabe’s ousting, ZANU-PF leaders met with GALZ representatives, the first formal engagement between the ruling party and an LGBTI organisation. GALZ used this opportunity to press for decriminalisation, protection from abuse and better health-service access, marking a cautious but historic shift in state-community relations.
2021: ‘Lead With Love’ Strategic Plan
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GALZ launched its 2021–25 Strategic Plan under the theme “Lead With Love,” setting out a structured roadmap for movement building, expanded health interventions, a sharper media strategy and intensified legal advocacy within Zimbabwe’s human-rights landscape.
2022: UPR recommendations adopted
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Following Zimbabwe’s Universal Periodic Review, the government formally adopted two GALZ-backed recommendations on decriminalisation and healthcare access, marking the first time LGBTI-focused proposals were incorporated into national human-rights commitments.
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OUR ADVOCACY WORK
Public Awareness and Education
GALZ works to challenge and reform discriminatory laws that criminalize LGBTI identities in Zimbabwe. The organization provides legal aid to individuals facing arrest or discrimination and engages with policymakers and international human rights bodies to advocate for decriminalization and the adoption of inclusive policies. Through strategic litigation and policy dialogue, GALZ aims to create a legal environment that respects and protects LGBTI rights.
Legal and Policy Advocacy
GALZ combats stigma and misinformation by raising awareness about LGBTI issues through workshops, media campaigns, and community outreach. The organization educates communities, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to foster understanding and reduce discrimination. By sharing personal stories and challenging stereotypes, GALZ promotes empathy and acceptance of LGBTI individuals in Zimbabwean society.
Health and Well-being Advocacy
GALZ addresses the specific health needs of the LGBTI community, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health support. The organization provides tailored healthcare services, advocates for non-discriminatory practices, and trains healthcare providers to ensure LGBTI individuals can access care without fear of stigma. GALZ also offers counseling and support to help individuals cope with discrimination and trauma.
Community Building and Crisis Support
GALZ creates safe spaces for LGBTI individuals to connect, access resources, and find support through drop-in centers, peer networks, and cultural events. The organization also provides emergency assistance, including shelter, legal aid, and crisis hotlines, for those facing violence or homelessness. By fostering a sense of community and offering immediate support, GALZ empowers LGBTI individuals and promotes resilience.
MEMBER SERVICE PACKAGE
MEMBERSHIP
Joining GALZ membership empowers you to make a tangible difference in your community. It affords you access to a network of like-minded peers, valuable resources and opportunities for personal growth, all while advocating for positive change and supporting the LGBTI community. Engage, connect, and be part of something greater.
To obtain a GALZ membership you need to be of the legal age of 18 or older. All persons including allies can apply for membership in any region in the world either domestic or international, Zimbabwean national or foreign.
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You can sign up onsite at any one of our resource centres or alternatively through our online portal. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Report a Violation
We know that facing discrimination, harassment, or violence can be incredibly difficult. This is a safe space for you to share your experience, and your voice truly matters. By reporting what you've faced or witnessed, you help us document these issues and advocate for a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.
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PROJECT PARTNERS
