Since 2000, GALZ has frequently been approached by Zimbabwean individuals who wish to seek asylum in other countries, as well as lawyers representing Zimbabwean asylum seekers and immigration authorities looking for accurate factual information regarding the situation facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in this country.

This has placed GALZ in something of a dilemma: on the one hand, the association does not wish to encourage LGBT people to leave Zimbabwe, preferring them to remain and become more actively involved in the struggle for the recognition of their rights in Zimbabwe; on the other, the situation has deteriorated for very many Zimbabweans and not just for those who are lesbian or gay. The association also does not wish to be seen supporting applications which contain claims which cannot be substantiated; and there are times when GALZ has been approached to provide what would amount to fraudulent validation in respect of some asylum claims and asked to support the applications of some people who are not members or former members of GALZ and who are not known to GALZ. Unconfirmed reports exist that some economic refugees who are not LGBT have been capitalising on the high-profile anti-gay rhetoric of national leaders in Zimbabwe by claiming asylum on the grounds of sexual orientation even though they are not gay or lesbian themselves. Others, in the interests of bolstering their claims, have exaggerated the situation which, again puts GALZ in a difficult situation since the organisation obviously does not wish to underplay the threats to LGBT people in Zimbabwe but neither does it want to create a picture of helpless victims with no sense of agency.

There have also been a few GALZ members who have gone abroad on GALZ business and then have sought asylum, without the prior knowledge or consent of the association. They have subsequently requested a supporting recommendation from GALZ. Other than being disruptive, this is particularly awkward since it threatens to put in jeopardy applications for visas from others needing to travel out of the country on GALZ business and the potential knowledge gained from these visits is also lost to the association.

This is not to underestimate the difficulties faced by LGBT people in Zimbabwe who are forced to exist in a hostile, homophobic climate which government and church leaders have openly encouraged. On rare occasions, GALZ has stressed the need for a GALZ activist to have his or her application considered favourably on the grounds that the person in question was at risk and needed to leave.

In December 2003, GALZ developed a policy specifically to respond to requests for support or information for or on behalf of people seeking asylum in foreign states on the grounds that they are at risk in Zimbabwe as a result of their sexual orientation. It states that:

1. Prior to their departure from Zimbabwe as official representatives from GALZ, all representatives will sign a declaration stating that they intend to return to Zimbabwe on completion of their tour of duty.

2. In the case of members or people who travel abroad on private grounds and who apply for and seek asylum, GALZ will provide a brief summary of the conditions facing LGBT communities in Zimbabwe.

3. GALZ will not validate false or fraudulent claims relating to asylum.

4. GALZ neither encourages nor discourages individuals from seeking asylum in foreign states.

5. GALZ will provide assistance in respect of asylum seekers who are activists whose safety and security are in danger and such assistance shall be through the human rights defenders fund.

Gays and lesbians living in Zimbabwe

Painting an accurate picture of the situation facing LGBT people in Zimbabwe is problematic on many accounts, more especially as there are times when members of the community feel more under threat than at others. In addition, many of the problems facing LGBT are quantifiably the same as those facing any grouping that is unpopular with or considered an enemy and a threat to the State: this includes ethnic and cultural minorities, supporters of opposition political parties and human rights groupings. The vast majority of Zimbabweans face difficulties relating to rampant inflation and shrinking employment opportunities in a country where freedom of expression and movement are increasingly curtailed; so when GALZ claims that it has no access to the State media and is stigmatised by propaganda, these claims resonate with many others who suffer the same but for different reasons.

An analysis pertaining to homosexuality and Zimbabwean law as it affects same-sex sexual activity is available elsewhere on this website at GALZ and the Law and Blackmail.

See also: GALZ and the Law • Backmail