for enabling members to interact and share experiences. The LGBTI community has some peculiar challenges that can only be better handled by sharing experiences with others in similar situations. Some of the challenges experienced include but are not limited to health issues (in particular STIs), family acceptance/rejection, relationship issues, coming out and many others. The Centre also offered opportunities for affirmation of a member’s sexual orientation and identity. “Some of the struggles encountered by our community are not necessarily written in books, even though they may experience them on daily basis. Having the opportunity to share issues related to coming out, religion, acceptance etc with others in similar situations can be very theraputic, allowing exchange of coping strategies. However, members are now increasingly and justifiably too fearful to access the space.” The Centre was previously considered as home by many, and it offered a space for expressing one’s identity, which could not be done anywhere easily in Zimbabwe. “Some members would just want that moment to hang out; put on their dresses and heels and drag for some time. They needed to just freely express themselves, while mixing with others. The importance of being able to be oneself to affirm one’s sexuality cannot be underestimated. But they can’t do that now.” - Staff Member As a result of raids, the organisation now has limited safe spaces 22 An Assessment of the impact of state sanctioned and unsanctioned raids on GALZ premises and gatherings