Learning Safety and Security of LBQT Women & Girls in Zimbabwe
Published on September 11th, 2024 by Tinatswe Mhaka
In a society where the voices of LBQT girls and non-binary folk in all their diversities are often silenced or marginalized, our research project aims to harness the power of storytelling to learn the realities of violence, safety, and security for LBQT girls in Zimbabwe. Through this project, we explore how queer Zimbabweans navigate various contexts of violence and how their diverse identities intersect to shape their experiences. Our goal is to collectively build strategies of resistance to these forms of violence and enhance our safety and security.
The Power of Story Circles
To capture these narratives, we employed a participatory approach using story circles, a method that brings together groups of queer girls and non-binary folk to share their experiences around specific themes. The story circles were divided into key topics such as Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence, Public Safety, Access to Justice, Online Violence, and Sexual Reproductive Health. Within these safe and confidential spaces, participants courageously shared their personal stories, reflecting the complex and often harrowing realities they face every day.
Supported by Purposeful Fund, our project is more than just research; it is a call to action. It is an invitation to reflect on how we can collectively build resistance against the various forms of violence that LBQT girls and non-binary folk in Zimbabwe face. By sharing these stories, we hope to increase knowledge that can inspire new strategies to enhance safety and security within our communities.
As we continue this journey, we invite you to listen to the stories shared in our podcast series, now underway at The Feminist Bar Podcast, explore our toolkit, and join our virtual knowledge-sharing session. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive environment for all.
Stay tuned for more updates and resources as we continue to amplify the voices and experiences of LBQT girls and non-binary folk in Zimbabwe.
