We are zega mahber
Zega Mahber is a nonprofit organization founded by LGBTQ Ethiopians in the USA to support fellow local LGBT groups in Ethiopia.
Zega Mahber (ZM) is a volunteer run association established to bring together LGBTQ Ethiopians in the USA and support LGBTQ organizations in Ethiopia.
Zega Mahber is a volunteer run nonprofit organization, founded by LGBTQ Ethiopians in North America to support LGBTQ organizations in Ethiopia.
Zega (meaning “citizen” in Amharic) is the popular term we LGBTQ Ethiopians use to refer to ourselves. Due to the lack of a neutral/non-religious or non-negative word for lesbian, gay or LGBT people, the word zega was adopted as a secret code name to refer to each other. This also serves to claim our Ethiopian roots, for too often queerness or homosexuality is misunderstood as a foreign cultural import.
Mahber is the Amharic word meaning an association or an organization. Voluntary mutual aid associations have long been a cornerstone of Ethiopian society. Neighbours, large families or even groups of friends set up associations such as the “Edir” “Mahber” or “Equb” for mutual support for times of financial need, social functions such as weddings and funerals, or other activities that strengthen social bonds.
We draw upon this rich cultural tradition of mutual support to come together as LGBTQ Ethiopians to foster stronger bonds of friendship and community amongst ourselves while also supporting our fellow zegas in the motherland.
The idea for Zega Mahber was born out of the need to bring the Ethiopian LGBTQ Diaspora together as well as to contribute to the work done for our community in Ethiopia by courageous local activists.
LGBTQ Ethiopians in the diaspora have better access to healthcare, social services, equal protection under the law and enjoy a larger degree of personal freedom. The reality for our siblings in the motherland is polar opposite. Being queer is criminalized, socially stigmatized and religiously condemned. Against all odds, zegas survive and continue to thrive. We feel it is our duty to support and contribute to the empowerment of our community in Ethiopia. For too long our beloved, ancient, and proud Ethiopia has been dependent on foreign aid. We want to break that cycle. We believe in self reliance, in zegas helping other zegas.
Zega Mahber was launched by a group of concerned Zegas in the USA at the dawn of year 2011 Ethiopian Calendar i.e. September 2018. We continue to grow and recruit more members. If interested in connecting, contact us here.
If you identify as LGBTQ Ethiopian by nationality or heritage or know someone who is, please know that you are not alone and there is a community that cares for your well-being.