Harare, Zimbabwe | A group of people claiming to be from various Christian organizations gathered at the GALZ offices on Sunday, June 9, 2024, and chanted anti-homosexuality slogans and gave hate speeches.
The following day, several LGBTQ activists in Harare described horrific, traumatic experiences.
Three unidentified men attacked Dzivarasekwa transgender man Tarisai Mafuratira as he was escorting his partner home. After being physically attacked, Tarisai was severely bruised, and when this publication interviewed him, he resisted giving a statement.
Gay man Rugare Laurence Makoroni, also referred to as Sparrow in his community, was followed and some of his associates threatened with death by an unknown group of men driving an unregistered car, leaving Makoroni fearing for his life.
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Makoroni, a well-known LGBTQ activist and member of Harare’s Zimbabwe Rainbow Community, reported the incident to the police right away. “These are the circumstances because of my sexual orientation. Apart from being followed and threatened by strangers, I have received death threats or threats to be harmed if I do not change my orientation,” Makoroni said.
The men claimed to have classified information about him, heightening the sense of danger. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Zimbabwe, where societal hostility and legal discrimination are rampant.
Makoroni has been a fearless advocate for LGBTQ rights, persistently championing the cause in a society where such discussions are often met with hostility. Despite the dangers, he remains committed to his advocacy, embodying the resilience of many within the Rainbow community.
This incident has brought renewed attention to the plight of LGBTQ activists in Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legal protections and societal acceptance.
Makoroni’s courage serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for LGBTQ individuals in the nation.
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