Lived experiences of transgender individuals in Zimbabwe: stigma, violence, and structural exclusion in a restrictive context

BACKGROUND: Transgender individuals experience disproportionate stigma, violence, and structural exclusion, with profound consequences for mental health and wellbeing. These experiences are well explained by minority stress and stigma frameworks, yet empirical research from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited, particularly in restrictive socio-legal contexts. This study explored the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Zimbabwe, where gender diversity is highly stigmatised, poorly understood, and lacks formal legal recognition. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 transgender adults recruited through a community-based organisation in Harare, Zimbabwe. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach. RESULTS: Participants described pervasive stigma, family rejection, physical and sexual violence, psychological distress, and substantial barriers to accessing healthcare, education, employment, and civic services. Incongruence between identification documents and gender presentation emerged as a significant mechanism of exclusion. At the same time, peer networks and community-based organisations were identified as important sources of psychosocial support, affirmation, and resilience. CONCLUSIONS: By centring transgender voices from an under-researched and restrictive African context, this study contributes qualitative evidence on how stigma, minority stress, and structural exclusion shape wellbeing. The findings underscore the need for gender-affirming, trauma-informed, and community-linked mental health and health service responses, alongside broader efforts to promote social inclusion and institutional recognition for transgender populations in highly stigmatised settings.