Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing
GALZ Statement on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)
GALZ celebrates the milestones that the LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex, Queer and more) movement has attained in Zimbabwe.
ese include the raising of awareness and visibility of LGBTIQ+ persons; advancing inclusion in service delivery and Zimbabwe’s development in general; collaborating with allies and creating synergies; and challenging unjust laws and promoting the human rights of sexual minorities, among other gains. e movement, consisting of 15 LGBTIQ+ organisations, has been one of Resistance, Support and Healing since 1990.
GALZ continues to Resist the overt and covert homophobia that LGBTIQ+ persons and their allies experience based on their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Homophobia is the reason for most human rights violations that LGBTIQ+ persons experience. Common violations include blackmail, denial of human dignity, disownment by families, excommunication from religious institutions, extortion, invasion of privacy and loss of employment among others.
e community is yearning for Healing from hate and discrimination which has historically affected many.
GALZ encourages the State to Support LGBTIQ+ communities through the removal of archaic and inhuman laws that criminalise same-sex conduct. Such laws do not only affect the LGBTIQ+ community but also hinder development and affect the image of Zimbabwe as a democratic country.
GALZ calls on pro-democracy groups, civil society, and PFLAG (Parents, Friends, Liaisons and Allies of GALZ) to Support the LGBTIQ+ movement by encouraging tolerance of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity in their areas of work; by speaking out against violations and abuse of LGBTIQ+ persons; and by collaborating with LGBTIQ+ organisations.
e 2021 IDAHOT theme Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing! comes at a time the world is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects. is pandemic requires a collective response effort that facilitates healing to all who have been affected by it.
GALZ Supports the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Zimbabwe as a whole needs Healing from all the pain and suffering of citizens. GALZ calls on the State to strengthen psycho-social support systems in the country to adequately respond to the dire needs of the affected communities.
All people must come Together: Resist Homophobia, Support all those affected, and facilitate Healing to ensure national growth and development.