As a university student in 1972, Saviz, baffled by sociological questions surrounding sexual orientation, delivered a pioneering research speech, an investigative look at the treatment given same sex love that was prevalent in Iranian social patterns. Expecting a small turnout, Saviz was astounded when several hundred of his peers at the University of Shiraz (formerly Pahlavi University) gathered to hear him.

It showed, he knew, that fellow students were thirsty for knowledge about matters that had too long remained taboo, that a natural curiosity had been unearthed the moment he pulled aside the curtain of silence. In Iran, he realized, same-sex love, though unspoken, was, nevertheless, prevalent in its own way.

In 1976, pursuing his education, Saviz arrived in the United States, where he continued his studies of sexuality and gender. At Syracuse University he gradually became involved with the growing gay and lesbian liberation movement. He finally emerged - as a result of a conscious and deliberate decision - as an openly gay man, all the while earning his master's degree in sociology.

Moving to Orlando, Florida in the early 1980's, Saviz turned his personal evolution into a series of ongoing political statements. He was quick to see that various social crusades - including the peace movement, the anti-sexist men's movement, the feminist cause, as well as racial, ethnic, and human rights concerns, could be linked.

He took an active part in these various movements, successfully urging - in the Orlando area - that they support civil rights and social acceptance of those who, like himself, felt strong emotional and sexual bonds with individuals of their own gender.

Saviz opened a natural foods store, located in one of the city's finer neighborhoods, where he provided materials relevant to the aforementioned causes, including gay and lesbian rights. He organized demonstrations and educational events, appearing on TV and radio, and receiving Central Florida's Spectrum Award (1995) for his efforts at promoting a meaningful recognition of diversity among the area's citizens.

Again, on March 9, 1997, he received both the Spectrum Male Activist and Role Model (male) Award, the latter shared with Jim Ford, his life's companion.

In 1993 Saviz joined Homan, the international movement to defend the rights of lesbian and gay Iranians. Currently, he is enrolled at the University of Central Florida in an MSW program while remaining active organizing, and planning Homan's agendas.