The rhetoric of Africa being homogenously homophobic has taken precedence over the possibility of travelling to different countries because of decriminalisation. As is true of the whole world, even in nations that have decriminalised homosexuality and protected the rights of LGBTQ+ people, there are anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments everywhere. 

This list aims to shift the narrative and highlight a few places that queer travellers can safely visit with less risk of discrimination.

South Africa

The LGBTQ+ community in South Africa is protected by the Constitution— the supreme law of the land. The South African Constitution safeguards the LGBTQ+ community by ensuring that people cannot be discriminated against on multiple grounds including race, gender and sexual orientation. Due to landmark cases, LGBTQ+ partnerships are legally recognised, queer South Africans can legally marry under the Civil Union Act, adopt children, and inherit from their spouses. Through the law, South African queer people have been able to celebrate Pride Month, with the first Pride march on the continent being organised by GLOW in 1990. South Africa has been an attractive travel destination for queer tourists due to the legislation protections in place. Although there are still politics on who has the privilege to access certain spaces without being subjected to homophobia, Black queer South Africans have created spaces and Pride marches that are accessible to all regardless of their class and social location. As a result of this, South Africa has a booming ballroom scene, queer nightlife, and an overall vibrant queer scene.

Angola

As of 2019, Angola has decriminalised same-sex relations. Like many African countries that were previously colonised, colonial laws demonised and criminalised same-sex sexual conduct. In 2021, Angola signed into law a penal code that protects against the discrimination of LGBTQ+ persons. This was an important step towards recognising the humanity of queer people and shedding the colonial laws that bound queer people to discrimination. The step into enacting laws against discrimination is an important example for countries in the region which communicate that decriminalisation is not enough and protections are required moving forward. There is a notable queer social scene in Angola including bars and clubs which accommodate LGBTQ+ patrons and host Pride events.

Botswana

In 2019, the courts in Botswana found that the criminalisation of same-sex sexual conduct was unconstitutional. The case brought to the fore the violation of the rights to privacy and dignity. Although there was an appeal lodged, it was unsuccessful. Botswana is home to a community of peace-loving citizens who have been open to the decision amidst some outcry from the most conservative sectors of society. Organisations such as LEGABIBO have been at the forefront of educating society about LGBTQ+ persons, ensuring that the queer community is seen as holistically and not reduced to sexual activity. Activists have fostered safe spaces for queer persons to socialise and continue the advocacy of the full recognition of LGBTQ+ persons. 

Namibia

Although there are no clear laws for the protection of LGBTQ+ people in Namibia, the residual laws criminalising some acts of same-sex conduct between men are not enforced. Windhoek, the country’s capital, has been cited as having a vibrant night scene for queer people to commune and socialise. Namibia is home to many members of the LGBTQ+ community who continue to advocate for legal recognition and protection in the country.