Tag: LGBTIQ

IDAHOBIT 2023: End Discrimination and Violence Towards LGBTIQ Persons in Zimbabwe

Paul Sixpence

ON the occasion of celebrating this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), LGBTIQ rights advocacy organisations in Zimbabwe have called for an end to discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. By Paul Sixpence IDAHOBIT has been celebrated yearly on 17 May since 1990, the day when the Health Organisation Organisation (WHO), declassified homosexuality as a mental disability and de-classified it as a disease. This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme, “Together Always: United in Diversity. The theme speaks to the importance of inclusivity and support…

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HIV self-testing proves popular …as tailor-made service improves access

Catherine Murombedzi

I have listened to people who are hesitant to get an HIV test, the moment they reach the health facility, they back off, for fear of the unknown. They have consoled themselves that, “It is better not to know, what you don’t know does not kill you.” Catherine Murombedzi How wrong it is, in health issues, what you don’t know has the potential to kill you. With many HIV infected males reporting at health facilities late, what they don’t know can be fatal. Thanks to HIV self-testing kits. For those…

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Forced and Cover Up Marriages Driving HIV Infections In Zimbabwe’s LGBTIQ Community

Michael Gwarisa

THE lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community in Zimbabwe remains one of the hardest hit with new HIV infections due to a myriad of factors chief among them being arranged/forced marriages with heterosexual individuals, homophobia initiated rape and cover up marriages amongst a host of other factors. By Michael Gwarisa Currently there is little information available on LGBTIQ and HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe since the area is still shunned a lot due to institutionalized and societal homophobia, lack of understanding of human sexuality and sexual health…

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ZAN and Partners Move To Address Structural Barriers Facing Key Populations In Accessing Health Services

Patricia Mashiri

A consortium running under the banner ZIZIWAZI, which comprise of the Zimbabwe AIDS Network (ZAN), the National AIDS Council (NAC), Health Foundation Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Rainbow Community and others,  has embarked on a five year engagement program with the aim of addressing challenges faced by populations at higher risk of HIV in accessing health services. By Patricia Mashiri Key populations or groups at high risk of HIV in Zimbabwe include Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and other members making up the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ)…

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Dreading To Go Home: The Plight Of Transgender People In Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

IN a few weeks’ time, the festive season will be upon us and for many families, it’s a time to meet and catch up on almost everything that would have happened throughout the course of the year. For some college and university students, holidays such as the festive season brings some sort of relief and therapy away from the hectic academic schedule. By Michael Gwarisa However, the same cannot be said for the Transgender and Intersex community in Zimbabwe who in most cases have to think twice and deeply before…

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