if any, that they can use to hold any of their events. This has significantly affected the organisations programming in this regard, as finding safe spaces for their members to congregate is nolonger a simple thing. Even some of the spaces that were perceived to be safe have been raided, thus finding venues for any activity is now a constant worry on the part of the staff as they battle with concerns about the safety and security of members. Even in smaller towns such as Mutare, Masvingo, Chinhoyi where GALZ used to have vibrant affinity groups, people can no longer meet freely as they used to do, because of fear of raids. Attendance and participation in affinity groups has declined significantly, thus affecting important discussions on relevant issues. “.. but now if we cannot create a safe space for our community, it defeats the whole purpose of having the organisation. Why are we here if we are unable to provide a safe space for the LGBTI community” – Staff Member. Thus GALZ is concerned that if they cannot provide a safe social space for its members, where else could they go. Even though there are some other spaces that accommodate LGBTI people, there are no guarantees of security and violence has broken out at several such centres. Sometimes, their members are denied entry because they are considered to be “too gay”. Access to Information GALZ used to develop and stock pamphlets, booklets, leaflets and magazine that contain gay themed information to empower members of the community. Before the raids, the Centre used 23 An Assessment of the impact of state sanctioned and unsanctioned raids on GALZ premises and gatherings