Bisexual people in Zimbabwe face complex challenges that stem from both legal restrictions and deep social stigma. The country criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men, with penalties including up to one year imprisonment and fines. However, same-sex relationships between women face no specific legal prohibition. This creates a unique situation where bisexual men encounter different legal risks depending on their relationships.
About ten percent of Zimbabwe's population is estimated to be gay or lesbian, though only a few dare to disclose their sexual orientation. Bisexual individuals often remain even more hidden due to misconceptions about their identity. Many people struggle to accept that someone can be attracted to multiple genders. Community members frequently view bisexuality as confusion or indecision rather than a valid sexual orientation.
The daily reality for bisexual Zimbabweans involves careful navigation of social spaces. They must constantly decide whether to reveal their identity or remain silent. Many choose to hide their sexual identity due to discrimination, exclusion, and violent attacks that cause permanent fear and loneliness. This secrecy takes a heavy toll on mental health and personal relationships.
Family rejection remains one of the most painful experiences for bisexual people. According to a 2018 survey, 64% of gay men had been disowned by their families, while 27% of lesbians also reported disownment. Bisexual individuals may face additional confusion from family members who struggle to understand attraction to multiple genders. Parents often pressure their children to choose heterosexual relationships exclusively.
Homosexual activity has been documented among the San people, the Khoikhoi people, the Ndebele people, and the Shona people. Archaeological evidence shows that same-sex relationships existed thousands of years before colonial contact. One famous San rock painting, located near Guruve, depicts three men engaging in anal intercourse and is estimated to date to roughly 8,000 BC. This evidence directly contradicts claims that homosexuality is foreign to African culture.
Robert Mugabe's presidency from 1980 to 2017 marked a particularly difficult period for LGBTQ+ people. The former president publicly called gays "worse than dogs and pigs" in 2013 and threatened to "cut their heads off". His rhetoric created an atmosphere of fear and hostility that continues to affect bisexual and other LGBTQ+ individuals today. The hatred and fear caused by the late president's particular brand of homophobia "is still being felt in Zimbabwe today".
In 2006, as Zimbabwe was becoming increasingly dysfunctional, the government passed a "sexual deviancy" law that criminalised any actions "perceived as homosexual". This law theoretically made it criminal for two people of the same sex to hold hands or kiss. The broad language of this legislation particularly threatened bisexual people who might display affection with same-gender partners in public spaces.
There is some evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being occasionally subject to arrest. However, there appear to be no successful prosecutions under the law. Police harassment remains a constant threat. LGBTI people sometimes face discrimination, arrest, and harassment by the police, although there is limited information on the scale, frequency, or severity of such treatment. Bisexual individuals may face additional suspicion from law enforcement, who question their relationships.
Workplace discrimination affects bisexual people throughout Zimbabwe. Discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace was widespread in Zimbabwe, including instances where LGBT persons had lost their jobs after being outed to their employers, or were blackmailed by colleagues who had found out about their sexuality. Bisexual workers must carefully manage information about their personal lives. Even casual conversations about weekend activities or relationships can become dangerous if they reveal same-gender attractions.
Healthcare access presents particularly complex challenges for bisexual people. Hospital staff are "afraid to touch me," recounts a gay man regarding his experience with accessing health care in Zimbabwe. Bisexual individuals may face confusion from healthcare providers who lack understanding of their identity. Medical professionals sometimes dismiss health concerns or provide inadequate care based on assumptions about sexual behavior.
According to a study conducted by GALZ in 2021, at least one in three lesbian, bisexual and transgender women experienced violence inflicted based on perceived sexual orientation and gender identity—corrective rape and sexual assault target bisexual women specifically. Perpetrators often believe they can force bisexual women to become exclusively heterosexual through violence. These attacks cause severe trauma and often go unreported due to fear of further victimization.
Mental health challenges affect bisexual Zimbabweans at high rates. Many LGBTI people in Zimbabwe suffer from low self-esteem; they are isolated and often depressed. Due to living with this stigma, people from the LGBTI community have an increased risk of mental and psychological problems. These problems range from anxiety disorders and depression to substance abuse and risky sexual behaviour. Bisexual people may experience additional stress from facing rejection within both straight and gay communities.
Suicide rates remain elevated among sexual minorities. Consequently, there are higher incidences of suicide attempts and suicide related deaths amongst men who have sex with men. In September, a man committed suicide in fear of police arrest for sodomy. The constant fear and rejection drive some bisexual people to consider ending their lives as the only escape from persecution.
In September 2018, three GALZ counselling drop-in centres were established in the cities of Harare, Mutare, and Masvingo. These centers provide safe spaces where bisexual people can access counseling services and connect with others who share similar experiences. Many clients come with signs of depression, suicidal tendencies, paranoia, anxiety, and other related challenges. Professional counselors help individuals process trauma and develop coping strategies.
In July, the Health Ministry adopted new training manuals to be used by health professionals when dealing with gays and sex workers. Five new health centres opened in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Kwekwe to cater to the health needs of gay and bisexual men. These developments represent positive steps toward improving healthcare access for bisexual people. However, stigma from healthcare workers continues to create barriers to treatment.
International support plays an important role in sustaining advocacy efforts. In 2017, GALZ was included as an official participant in the funding proposal developed for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This helped to secure US$ 2 million for programmes that serve gay men and other men who have sex with men. These funds enable GALZ to expand services and reach more bisexual people throughout the country.
However, legal change remains slow. When the Zimbabwean president, Emerson Mnangagwa, was asked whether he would protect LGBTIQ rights, he responded, "In our constitution, it [homosexuality] is banned – and I must obey my constitution". In January 2018, Mnangagwa spoke on the issue of LGBTQ rights for the first time, saying, "Those people who want it [same-sex marriage] are the people who should canvass for it, but it's not my duty to campaign for this". These statements suggest incremental rather than dramatic progress.
A significant and positive shift is unfolding regarding the rights of persons with intersex variations in Zimbabwe. The government is demonstrating growing acceptance and actively engaging with a recommendation presented by Iceland during the 2022 Universal Periodic Review process. Recognition of intersex rights may create momentum for broader LGBTQ+ protections, including bisexual people. Government acknowledgment of sexual and gender diversity in any form represents meaningful progress.
Young Zimbabweans are showing an increasing acceptance of diverse sexualities. Social media platforms allow bisexual people to connect and share experiences despite geographical barriers. Twitter reflects a wide range of reactions and formulations of queerness within what is imagined to be normative identities in Zimbabwe. Digital spaces provide opportunities for education and community building that traditional media cannot offer. These platforms help combat isolation and build solidarity among bisexual people across the country.
About ten percent of Zimbabwe's population is estimated to be gay or lesbian, though only a few dare to disclose their sexual orientation. Bisexual individuals often remain even more hidden due to misconceptions about their identity. Many people struggle to accept that someone can be attracted to multiple genders. Community members frequently view bisexuality as confusion or indecision rather than a valid sexual orientation.
The daily reality for bisexual Zimbabweans involves careful navigation of social spaces. They must constantly decide whether to reveal their identity or remain silent. Many choose to hide their sexual identity due to discrimination, exclusion, and violent attacks that cause permanent fear and loneliness. This secrecy takes a heavy toll on mental health and personal relationships.
Family rejection remains one of the most painful experiences for bisexual people. According to a 2018 survey, 64% of gay men had been disowned by their families, while 27% of lesbians also reported disownment. Bisexual individuals may face additional confusion from family members who struggle to understand attraction to multiple genders. Parents often pressure their children to choose heterosexual relationships exclusively.
Historical Context and Colonial Legacy
Zimbabwe's current laws against homosexuality trace back to British colonial rule. In 1891, the British colonial administration ruled that a law criminalising homosexuality in the Cape of Good Hope applied in Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe). Homosexuality, same-sex relations, and cross-dressing used to be accepted and commonplace in Zimbabwe prior to colonisation. Traditional Zimbabwean cultures actually recognized diverse forms of sexuality and gender expression.Homosexual activity has been documented among the San people, the Khoikhoi people, the Ndebele people, and the Shona people. Archaeological evidence shows that same-sex relationships existed thousands of years before colonial contact. One famous San rock painting, located near Guruve, depicts three men engaging in anal intercourse and is estimated to date to roughly 8,000 BC. This evidence directly contradicts claims that homosexuality is foreign to African culture.
Robert Mugabe's presidency from 1980 to 2017 marked a particularly difficult period for LGBTQ+ people. The former president publicly called gays "worse than dogs and pigs" in 2013 and threatened to "cut their heads off". His rhetoric created an atmosphere of fear and hostility that continues to affect bisexual and other LGBTQ+ individuals today. The hatred and fear caused by the late president's particular brand of homophobia "is still being felt in Zimbabwe today".
In 2006, as Zimbabwe was becoming increasingly dysfunctional, the government passed a "sexual deviancy" law that criminalised any actions "perceived as homosexual". This law theoretically made it criminal for two people of the same sex to hold hands or kiss. The broad language of this legislation particularly threatened bisexual people who might display affection with same-gender partners in public spaces.
Current Legal and Social Challenges
Section 73 of the Criminal Code of Zimbabwe outlaws same-sex relations under "sodomy" and "indecent acts" clauses. The constitution bans same-sex marriage, and no explicit legal protections exist for LGBTIQ people. Bisexual people face the same legal vulnerabilities as other sexual minorities. They cannot marry same-gender partners or receive protection from discrimination in employment, housing, or public services.There is some evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being occasionally subject to arrest. However, there appear to be no successful prosecutions under the law. Police harassment remains a constant threat. LGBTI people sometimes face discrimination, arrest, and harassment by the police, although there is limited information on the scale, frequency, or severity of such treatment. Bisexual individuals may face additional suspicion from law enforcement, who question their relationships.
Workplace discrimination affects bisexual people throughout Zimbabwe. Discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace was widespread in Zimbabwe, including instances where LGBT persons had lost their jobs after being outed to their employers, or were blackmailed by colleagues who had found out about their sexuality. Bisexual workers must carefully manage information about their personal lives. Even casual conversations about weekend activities or relationships can become dangerous if they reveal same-gender attractions.
Healthcare access presents particularly complex challenges for bisexual people. Hospital staff are "afraid to touch me," recounts a gay man regarding his experience with accessing health care in Zimbabwe. Bisexual individuals may face confusion from healthcare providers who lack understanding of their identity. Medical professionals sometimes dismiss health concerns or provide inadequate care based on assumptions about sexual behavior.
Violence and Mental Health Impacts
Physical and emotional violence against bisexual people occurs regularly throughout Zimbabwe. Research published in 2019 found that 43% of LGBT people had experienced physical violence in their lifetime, with 23% reporting incidents in the previous year. Additionally, 63% had experienced verbal harassment related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Bisexual people may face particular forms of violence based on misconceptions about their sexuality.According to a study conducted by GALZ in 2021, at least one in three lesbian, bisexual and transgender women experienced violence inflicted based on perceived sexual orientation and gender identity—corrective rape and sexual assault target bisexual women specifically. Perpetrators often believe they can force bisexual women to become exclusively heterosexual through violence. These attacks cause severe trauma and often go unreported due to fear of further victimization.
Mental health challenges affect bisexual Zimbabweans at high rates. Many LGBTI people in Zimbabwe suffer from low self-esteem; they are isolated and often depressed. Due to living with this stigma, people from the LGBTI community have an increased risk of mental and psychological problems. These problems range from anxiety disorders and depression to substance abuse and risky sexual behaviour. Bisexual people may experience additional stress from facing rejection within both straight and gay communities.
Suicide rates remain elevated among sexual minorities. Consequently, there are higher incidences of suicide attempts and suicide related deaths amongst men who have sex with men. In September, a man committed suicide in fear of police arrest for sodomy. The constant fear and rejection drive some bisexual people to consider ending their lives as the only escape from persecution.
Support Networks and Advocacy
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe serves as the primary advocacy organization for bisexual and other LGBTQ+ people. GALZ is a membership-based association that promotes, represents, and protects the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people in Zimbabwe. GALZ was founded in 1990. The association provides counseling and human rights advocacy. The organization offers crucial support services despite facing government harassment and public hostility.In September 2018, three GALZ counselling drop-in centres were established in the cities of Harare, Mutare, and Masvingo. These centers provide safe spaces where bisexual people can access counseling services and connect with others who share similar experiences. Many clients come with signs of depression, suicidal tendencies, paranoia, anxiety, and other related challenges. Professional counselors help individuals process trauma and develop coping strategies.
In July, the Health Ministry adopted new training manuals to be used by health professionals when dealing with gays and sex workers. Five new health centres opened in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Kwekwe to cater to the health needs of gay and bisexual men. These developments represent positive steps toward improving healthcare access for bisexual people. However, stigma from healthcare workers continues to create barriers to treatment.
International support plays an important role in sustaining advocacy efforts. In 2017, GALZ was included as an official participant in the funding proposal developed for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This helped to secure US$ 2 million for programmes that serve gay men and other men who have sex with men. These funds enable GALZ to expand services and reach more bisexual people throughout the country.
Hope for Change and Recent Developments
President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership since 2017 has brought cautious optimism to the LGBTQ+ community. After Robert Mugabe's forced removal from the presidency in November 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared President of Zimbabwe. There are hopes that Mnangagwa would reverse Zimbabwe's decades-long persecution of LGBTQ people. He has also refrained from any of the fiery anti-LGBT rhetoric of his predecessor, and his desire for Zimbabwe to rejoin the Commonwealth suggests that he's likely to take a more liberal stance.However, legal change remains slow. When the Zimbabwean president, Emerson Mnangagwa, was asked whether he would protect LGBTIQ rights, he responded, "In our constitution, it [homosexuality] is banned – and I must obey my constitution". In January 2018, Mnangagwa spoke on the issue of LGBTQ rights for the first time, saying, "Those people who want it [same-sex marriage] are the people who should canvass for it, but it's not my duty to campaign for this". These statements suggest incremental rather than dramatic progress.
A significant and positive shift is unfolding regarding the rights of persons with intersex variations in Zimbabwe. The government is demonstrating growing acceptance and actively engaging with a recommendation presented by Iceland during the 2022 Universal Periodic Review process. Recognition of intersex rights may create momentum for broader LGBTQ+ protections, including bisexual people. Government acknowledgment of sexual and gender diversity in any form represents meaningful progress.
Young Zimbabweans are showing an increasing acceptance of diverse sexualities. Social media platforms allow bisexual people to connect and share experiences despite geographical barriers. Twitter reflects a wide range of reactions and formulations of queerness within what is imagined to be normative identities in Zimbabwe. Digital spaces provide opportunities for education and community building that traditional media cannot offer. These platforms help combat isolation and build solidarity among bisexual people across the country.
