Defiance to Legacy

A Legacy of Pride, Courage and Resilience

This year marks 35 years of GALZ, a journey rooted in defiance, courage and the unwavering belief that LGBTI people belong. From its formation in 1990 by pioneers like David Reeler and Evan Tsouroullis, GALZ grew from a small social network into a bold human rights movement that reshaped Zimbabwe’s LGBTI landscape.

GALZ’s early years were marked by resilience. It weathered fierce backlash after applying to exhibit at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair in 1995, an act that pushed homosexuality into the national spotlight despite government efforts to silence it.

GALZ stood firm, eventually winning a landma

rk court case in 1996 that overturned the state’s attempt to ban it from the fair. Through these struggles, GALZ transformed from an almost exclusively white, urban network into a vibrant, diverse community organisation. It built safe spaces, provided HIV and mental health services, trained media professionals, and nurtured young queer leaders.

Today, GALZ celebrates 35 years as a symbol of resistance and renewal, proof that visibility, community and courage can outlast hate, and that change is possible.