10 Gay-Friendly Countries In Africa

Most Africans are averse to homosexual relationships, and this is because most of them believe their cultures oppose gay relationships. This makes it hard for gays to find places in Africa that accept them for who they are. Notwithstanding that a majority of the continent has a strong public opinion against gay relationships and marriages, there are still some countries on the continent that are gay-friendly. 

This article will review the list of gay-friendly countries in Africa. These countries may not have accepted gay marriage, but gay relationships are not criminalised like in their neighbouring countries. For these countries on this list, it is safe for gay people to visit. 

However, even though gay relationships are not criminalised, public shows and displays of gay affection may not be fully accepted. Therefore, as a visiting gay person in these countries, you still have to be careful. Although South Africa stands out on the list as it is the only country that has fully legalised gay marriage. 

Gay-Friendly Countries in Africa

1. South Africa

South Africa is the most gay-friendly country in Africa. South Africa is one of the first countries to legalise gay marriage in the world. The country is very liberal and democratic. As a gay person, you won’t be discriminated against or judged in South Africa. It’s a place you can go to have fun without facing any intimidation or hindrances. 

2. Seychelles

The Seychelles is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. Gay relationships are not criminalised in the country. It’s a very liberal country that one can visit without being afraid due to one’s sexual orientation. Gays feel safe in the country without being haunted, intimidated, or jailed. 

3. Cape Verde

Cape Verde is another country in Africa where gay relationships or orientation are not criminalised. The country has a very relaxed legal system when it comes to being gay and orientation in general. With its vibrant culture, Cape Verde is very inclusive in accommodating people of different races, cultures, and locations. The country does not leave out people who identify as gay. 

4. Botswana

Botswana is a middle-income country in Southern Africa. The country has a better standard of living when compared to other African countries. The country has a good legal, justice, and human rights system. In this country, you are sure to get the needed protection and respect for human rights that you need. In Botswana, gay orientation and relationships are not criminalised, so gays are free to visit and live in Botswana.

5. Mauritius

Mauritius, just like other countries mentioned, is a gay-friendly country in Africa. Opposed to some other anti-gay countries on the continent, this country is open and accepting of gay people. Gay orientation is decriminalised in the country. With a colourful culture and history of struggle against slavery, the country presents itself as one that is accepting of all people. As a gay person in Mauritius, you are free to live freely, although without an open show of gay affection. 

6. Lesotho

Lesotho is located in Southern Africa, so they have a similar culture and administration. The country has a relaxed legal system that doesn’t reject gay orientation and people. It’s an interesting country to visit with wonderful weather, people, and culture. In addition to that, the country is well-administered with a liberal system. As a gay person, you are sure to feel protected and treated right. 

7. Namibia

Namibia, with its wonderful desert landscape, beaches, and parks, has a liberal system when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Namibia respects the rights of people to love whomever they choose. Although the country hasn’t legalised gay marriage, the country has a liberal system when it comes to evaluating gay relationships and marriages. 

8. Angola

Angola, an oil-rich country, is one of the countries that decriminalised gay relationships and identity in recent times. With a fast rate of development, the country’s administrative and legal system is equally relaxed to accommodate everyone. As a gay person, you are free whenever you visit the country; though, public display of gay affection is frowned upon. 

9. Gabon

Gabon stands on the same step as Angola. It is equally an oil-rich country that has managed to improve the infrastructure in the country and the legal and administrative system of the country and to boost its tourism. Gabon made it into the headlines for decriminalising gay identities and orientation. This means that gay people are to feel free visiting Angola. 

10. Mozambique

Mozambique has a liberal legal system when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Even though gay marriage is not accepted in the country, identifying as a gay person or being in a relationship is not criminalised. You can feel free as a gay person to visit Mozambique and have a nice time. 

Conclusion

Most African countries have legal systems that criminalise gay identity and relationships. Notwithstanding that many African countries criminalise LGBTQ life and deny them their rights, there are some gay-friendly African countries. These African countries are accepting of gay people and their lifestyles. As a visiting gay person, you’ll enjoy your time in these countries. 

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