Harare - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There are laws targeting LGBT people. I would not want to come here if LGBT, or especially bring an LGBT child here. - Jan 2024
Seems to be a bit better than it was in the past. We had a local friend who fled years ago to South Africa, as he was scared he was going to be arrested/beaten for being gay. He has since returned to Harare. - May 2021
Within the expat community, fine, but local views on LGBT seem very retrograde, and not many leaders seem willing to take a stand on the issue, even if privately they seem tolerant. The head of a major school where some Embassy kids go got outed and removed in a big scandal, and is now a fellow at Harvard (Google the story). - Feb 2020
No. Government seems hostile to same-sex relationships. Your same-sex partner, married or not, will not get accreditation. - Jan 2019
Not really--President Mugabe is openly anti LGBT. - Sep 2017
Zimbabwe is very conservative when it comes to LGBT but in practice there are no major problems. - Jul 2017
It's ok. Officially it's illegal and the President has been known to speak out against homosexuality, but Zimbabweans tend to be accepting overall and I know a number of gay people who live here for years without any issues. There is a local organization called GALZ (Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe) which can be contacted for more info. - Apr 2016
Same sex acts are illegal and attract jail sentences, and the president crudely rails against homosexuals occasionally, so be careful. See, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory. However, I've known several gay people here in my two assignments--direct hires, LES, and local Zimbabweans--who live normal, although quiet lives. - Dec 2013
I would avoid Zimbabwe if you are LGBT. Mugabe is not know for his tolerance. - Jul 2013
There is a lot of homophobia among some Zimbabweans, but I know one gay couple here who has loved it. - Jun 2009
No. - Dec 2008
Yes and no. It is TECHNICALLY illegal but I have lots of gay friends and they live together and wuite openly are together and there is a sizable gay community considering how small a place it is. - Sep 2008
