Group champions for human rights for key populations in Zim

Sibongile Dube

In an effort to advocate for human rights, the Awake Affinity Group, a movement led by queer individuals that is sensitive to gender issues, is pushing for the protection of human rights and interests for marginalized populations such as sex workers and the LGBTIQ communities.

During an interview, Prince Kahari, the Communication and Advocacy officer of Awake Affinity Group, stated that the movement is working towards changing policies in society to promote a better understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers in Matabeleland North Province
“We are a community-based movement led by queer individuals that is dedicated to promoting, safeguarding, and advancing the rights and interests of LGBTIQ+ individuals in small towns of Matabeleland North through research, education, and advocacy,”he explained.

The Awake Affinity Group consists of members from the Sex Work and LGBTIQ communities in Victoria Falls and Hwange who collaborate to navigate challenging environments.
“The movement aims to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. Our vision is for a society where sexual and gender queer individuals, as well as sex workers, not only survive but thrive within accepting families and communities, asserting their self-determination over other identities, bodies, and freedom from disrespect, discrimination, and violence.”
“To realize this vision, we must promote equity, equal opportunities, safety, health, and economic well-being for all sex workers and LGBTIQ individuals throughout their lives,”Kahari emphasized.

Kahari expressed his concern that the primary goal is to foster community acceptance without discrimination, bridging the gap between service providers and sexual and gender minorities, among other objectives. “We must remember that all individuals are born free and equal in dignity and rights, entitled to the enjoyment of human rights without any form of discrimination. Access to healthcare is hindered not only for LGBTIQ individuals but also for marginalized populations such as sex workers. Misgendering is a common issue where health service providers assume one’s gender identity based on traditional features associated with a particular gender. For instance, I am often addressed as ‘he’ due to my beard, deep voice, and masculine features without being asked for my preference. This experience is deeply unsettling and discouraging when seeking HIV/AIDS tests, STI screenings, or assistance. Additionally, information collection tools often lack options for gender-diverse individuals, only providing the traditional male and female categories, leading to exclusion at its most severe level. Due to such challenges, key population issues often go unaddressed due to a lack of adequate information collection,” he elaborated.

In the meantime, the Awake Affinity Group, which currently has over 145 members, is urging more individuals to register as members to further promote human rights.