Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe

Originally a small social club of mostly middle-class professionals, the association has grown over the years and now truly represents the broader LGBTI community in ten centres throughout Zimbabwe.

GALZ rose to prominence in the mid 1990s when it challenged illegal bans by government on its participation at the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF). Since then, the association has been involved in a number of high-profile campaigns.

Despite the numerous challenges facing Zimbabwean LGBTI people, which include all those facing Zimbabweans as a whole, GALZ has made great strides in pushing for the tolerance and appreciation of sexual differences in society. Today, the GALZ Resource Centre in Harare provides professional counselling, entertainment and educational activities for members. GALZ is also actively involved in broader human rights campaigning and in the fight for access to affordable treatment for all people living with HIV or AIDS.

Membership

Who should join GALZ?

• Any person over the age of 18
• All people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity
• Zimbabweans and foreign nationals.

How to join Galz

GALZ membership form PDf download

Write to Programme Manager GALZ, P. Bag A6131, Avondale, Harare;

Contact Telephone: (+263–4) 741736, Tel/fax (+263–4) 740614; E–mail us at: info@galz.org

Visit 35 Colenbrander Road, Milton Park, Harare on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• I. D. for age verification.
• Membership is annual and runs from 1st January to 31st December. Applications and renewals are received at any time. Those joining between October and March are entitled to a 50% reduction.
• Membership fees alter on a yearly basis but are always affordable. Those who are less resourced may apply for a reduction of up to 90% of the fee.

Membership entitlements

• Visit the GALZ Centre in Milton Park, Harare and participate in GALZ events
• Be informed about all GALZ social and other events
• Hefty reductions on entrance charges to GALZ events, such as the annual Jacaranda Queen Drag Pageant
• Receive one copy of every GALZ publication include gazette and Whazzup!
• Receive free counseling
• Receive professional legal advice on issues such as blackmail
• Access GALZ-sponsored programmes such as Skills for Life and Positive image

Education

Legal education An act of blackmail, or extortion (as it is referred to in legal terms) is making an unwarranted demand with menaces with a view to gain or to cause a loss: in other words, it is threatening to discredit one or more people by revealing damaging information about them unless they make it worth your while not to do so. Blackmail is a particular problem for homosexuals in Zimbabwe where government leaders have whipped up a hysterical climate of homophobia and have even encouraged people to make citizens arrests of ‘gays’ should they see them in the streets.

Galz and the Law There is a common misconception amongst many Zimbabweans that it is illegal to be homosexual in Zimbabwe. This is a myth since it is not possible to legislate against what people think, only against what people express or do. Nevertheless, with ordinary Zimbabweans and law enforcers being given carte blanche by national leaders to arrest homosexuals on the streets, many LGBTI people in Zimbabwe live in fear of blackmail and being arrested for consensual sexual acts. GALZ has successfully provided legal assistance to many members who have been victims of state harassment or extortion.

Offering University Scholarships To Gay Students

The Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (Galz) revealed that it will be offering scholarships for members of the lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex community to pursue higher education. The scholarships would be available for students who enrol at local universities starting in 2019 and will cover tuition, accommodation, stationery, transportation and food among other expenses.^[1]

References