LGBTI+ persons’ concealed displacement in Zimbabwe

Abstract

abstract In many parts of the world individuals are subjected to serious human rights abuses because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, and sex characteristics, particularly when these do not conform to dominant social and cultural norms. Severe persecution and discrimination from both state and non-state actors force LGBTI+ persons to leave their places of habitual residence in search of a safe environment in which they can fully exercise their gender and sexual rights, and Zimbabwe is no exception. This article is drawn from the findings of qualitative research conducted on the relationship of LGBTI+ persons with their communities in Zimbabwe. The study elicited data from participants who identified as LGBTI+ (the Shona term ngochani, which means homosexual, is disparagingly used to refer to all members of this group). The major findings of the study are that the Zimbabwean government’s position has created a climate of fear, vulnerability, and victimisation among LGBTI+ persons, which has led to their displacement and migration. The study found that although in some cases the displacement and migration were caused by the violence from the state actors such as the police, other drivers include being rejected by families or fear of the communities’ reaction and treatment, which this study would call ‘concealed displacement’. The study thus argues that not all displacements and migrations of LGBTI+ persons are caused by visible public violence; however, in some cases it is concealed and as a response to desperation or mental and psychological exhaustion, even in the ‘quietest’ environment. Hence this article focuses on concealed displacement, diverting from the popular researched narrative of displacements as a result of overt public war and violence, but with the more or less common goal of finding space for safety, peace, acceptance, and inclusion.