“We reject attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our norms, values, traditions and beliefs. We are not gay.” This is what Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert G. Mugabe, said at the 2015 UN General Assembly.

He’s the same leader who’s known for saying people like me are “worse than pigs and dogs.” And let’s be honest. For someone who’s known to be very educated, and he is, comparing us to animals wasn’t quite an intelligent remark. Check out this article published by Pink News if you want to know why. Spoiler alert: every animal, from human beings to pigs, dogs, and even insects fall across a spectrum of sexuality.

The man may no longer be Zimbabwe’s leader but his legacy lingers. He is revered by some as the Lion of Africa. To LGBT folks in Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is the infamous champion of anti-queer policies.

Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, hasn’t been as vocal about his intolerance as his mentor. Don’t get it twisted, though. He isn’t any less intolerant towards the LGBT folks in Zimbabwe. In fact, at the 2017 World Economic Forum, the leader made it clear he’d not be advocating for LGBT rights. The Crocodile, as he’s known in Zimbabwe, told Richard Quest that doing so is tantamount to not upholding the Constitution. By the way, its the same Constitution which states that the President must “promote unity and respect the diversity of people in Zimbabwe.” Read more via Whisp