International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 2 No. 13; July 2012 218 The “politics” of sexual identities in Zimbabwe: A Social Work perspective? Vincent Mabvurira Department of Social Sciences Bindura University of Science Education Private Bag 1020, Bindura Zimbabwe Petronila Dadirai Motsi School of Social Work University of Zimbabwe Private Box MP 167 Mount Pleasant , Harare Zimbabwe Tawanda Masuka Department of Social Sciences Bindura University of Science Education Private Bag 1020, Bindura Zimbabwe Etiya Edith Chigondo Department of Social Sciences Bindura University of Science Education Private Bag 1020, Bindura Zimbabwe Abstract Any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality is treated with scorn in most African societies. This paper focus on homosexuality as a sexual minority problem in Zimbabwe. Homosexuals live secluded lives due to prejudice and discrimination. The paper also argues that despite disapproval that homosexuality in un-African, it is as African as the baobab tree and as Zimbabwean as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. It traces the incidence of same sex relations in pre-colonial and post colonial Zimbabwe. It also argues that based on their professional values, social workers in Zimbabwe should promote social justice through assisting the gay community. Key words. Homosexuality, social work, Zimbabwe The issue of homosexuality is very sensitive in most African societies and as a result it carries ruinous stigma. The challenges presented by homosexuality in different cultures of the world assume various degrees but generally speaking, so far, the phenomenon has raised issues that have proved to be a thorn in the flesh in many scholarly debates as well as in other aspects of life (Mudavanhu, 2010). Talking anything positive about gays might stand as justification that you are one of them; as a result most helping professionals in developing countries have neglected the gay community for fear of losing credibility in society. It takes gallantry to take a pen and paper and start writing without prejudice about homosexuality especially in Zimbabwe. Due to stigma, prejudice and discrimination justified by religious and cultural beliefs, most helping professionals in Zimbabwe are not in any position to help gay people. There is acute debate among social work educators in Zimbabwe whether homosexuality is African or European. Social differences and social diversity are yet to be fully acknowledged. There is an sharp gap in the knowledge base of most academics in Zimbabwe on the subject of same sex relations.