DOCCIE CALLS FOR GAY INCLUSION IN CONSTITUTION

A Zimbabwean gay rights group has produced a short documentary calling for LGBT rights to be included in the country’s new constitution, reports Behind the Mask.

Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) made the 15 minute film, titled Tinzweiwo (Hear our plea), with the hope that it will raise awareness of the plight of sexual minorities in the country.

Produced in Shona, with English subtitles, the film consists of interviews with 10 GALZ members who recount their experiences as members of Zimbabwe’s LGBT community.

They emphasise that their sexual orientation was not affected by foreign influences and describe the homophobia that they have faced throughout their lives.

The DVD will form part of GALZ’s submission to the Constitutional Select Committee and will also be given to NGOs, legislators and religious leaders.

GALZ was founded in 1990 to serve the needs and interests of LGBTI people in Zimbabwe and works for the social tolerance of sexual minorities and the repeal of homophobic legislation.

Homosexuality is illegal in Zimbabwe and those found guilty face a fine and up to a year in jail. The country’s constitution is in the process of being revised as part of its increasingly shaky government of national unity.