GALZ

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Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) was formed in 1989 to provide gay men and lesbians in Zimbabwe with a network to facilitate communication within their. The network also provided a space for bisexuals and other alternative people who sought more broad-minded company. At first the organization kept a low profile. However, with the growing needs of the gay community within the country, GALZ initiated a programme of outreach which inevitably led to the organisation's "outing". Presently GALZ' aim is to network broadly with other human rights organisations, the feminist movements, AIDS initiatives and regional associates.

Despite arrests and intimidation, GALZ made a submission to the government-led Constitutional Commission in 1999 for the inclusion of a sexual orientation clause in a new national constitution. Ultimately the words "sexual orientation" were not included, but through GALZ's efforts, the phrase "natural difference or condition" was included and widely interpreted to include sexual minorities.

In 2005, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) presented the Felipa Award to GALZ. The Felipa Award recognizes the courage and impact of grassroots groups and leaders dedicated to improving the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and other individuals stigmatized and abused because of their sexuality.