Online Reporter
Anesu Dhliwayo
JOURNALISTS and the broader Bulawayo community have been called on to stop discrimination based on sexual orientation, saying harmful stereotypes and hostile reporting continue to fuel exclusion and fear.
Speaking on the sidelines of a sexual orientation awareness media workshop organised by the Sexual Rights Centre, several openly LGBTIQ individuals shared personal accounts of discrimination that they say began as early as their school years and followed them into their communities and workplaces.
Farirayi Moyo said their experience of exclusion started in secondary school, where gender nonconformity attracted ridicule from both peers and teachers.
“School was supposed to be a safe place, but it became the first place I learned to hide,” Moyo said. “I was labelled, mocked and punished for simply being myself. Even now, as an adult, that fear never really leaves you.”
Moyo added that media narratives often worsen the situation by portraying LGBTIQ people as outsiders. “When the media uses dehumanising language or only tells our stories in moments of controversy, it tells the community that we don’t belong,” they said.
Prince Mthandazo Mabena echoed the call for responsible reporting, saying discriminatory coverage has real-life consequences.
“Words matter,” Mabena said. “When the media frames us as immoral or dangerous, it gives permission to communities to harass us. I have been threatened in my own neighbourhood. There are days you genuinely fear for your life.”
Mabena recalled being isolated at school after rumours about their sexual orientation spread. “I lost friends overnight. Teachers looked the other way. That kind of rejection stays with you,” he said.
Nancy Dube said discrimination within families and communities remains one of the hardest challenges.
“In my community, being LGBTIQ is seen as something shameful,” Dube said. “I have been called names, excluded from gatherings and told I don’t deserve protection. Sometimes you survive by staying silent, but silence also hurts.”
Dube stressed that ethical journalism could help change attitudes. “If the media tells our stories with dignity, people will begin to see us as human beings, not headlines,” she said.
The Sexual Rights Centre said the workshop aimed to equip journalists with accurate information on sexual orientation and gender identity, while encouraging coverage that upholds human rights and avoids stigmatization.
As the workshop concluded, participants agreed that changing laws and policies is important, but transforming mindsets — particularly through fair and informed media coverage — is critical to ensuring the safety and dignity of LGBTIQ people in Bulawayo and beyond.
