SEXTANT: masculinities, sexualities & decolonialities

ABSTRACT

This text explores masculinities and sexualities within Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, men are seen as superior to women and this is the cultural norm. Masculinity is socially constructed through religion, class and race. Expressing sexuality in Zimbabwe is controversial, and, more specifically, homosexuality is seen as un-African and un-Christian. While it is the social norm for men in Zimbabwe to have extramarital relationships, many men are unable to be open about their sexuality, or even discuss their physical or mental health. The HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe depicts this, as men who are infected with HIV do not typically reach out for help or receive treatment. The fear of being perceived as unmasculine has forced them to be quiet and secretive when it comes to their sexuality. This essay analyses the statistics and information behind the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe through the lens of regional cultures of masculinity and sexuality.

KEY WOrDS

Masculinities; Zimbabwe; Homosexuality; Sexualities; HIV

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.