Silas Manjera: supporting young people with HIV and the LGBTIQ community in Zimbabwe
Silas Manjara, a young Friend from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, will talk about his work to improve the lives of young people living with HIV and LGBTIQ young people in his community.
Silas has formed a community based organisation, Bulawayo South AIDS Trust, that coordinates the interest of young people affected and infected with HIV, young sex workers, young people from the LGBTIQ community and orphans and vulnerable children. It's a taboo to be gay in Zimbabwe and there are laws and policies that criminalise the right to access health services for young populations. As a young Quaker Silas felt he had to do something towards achieving gender equality and a HIV-free society. He has also been instrumental in documenting evidence on issues that affect LGBTIQ young people in his community .