Village of A Marginalised Community (voMAC) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, runs the Queer Bench project, offering a safe, inclusive space for young LGBTI individuals to build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. Through various activities, the project empowers the LGBTI community to overcome societal pressures, promote mental wellness, and foster unity.
voMAC was established to address the lack of safe spaces for young LGBTI people in rural and peri-urban areas. With a focus on bridging gaps in health and social services, voMAC advocates for equitable access to care, while encouraging inclusivity in local cultural and social spheres.
The Queer Bench project enables voMAC to provide mental health programs, safe social weekends, and confidence-building activities to Bulawayo community, including Pink and Blue Closet fashion workshops and Rainbow Winter Flames. These initiatives help LGBTI individuals embrace their identities, combat internalized homophobia, and foster solidarity within the community.
