South Africa - TwoGayExpats.com

South Africa

LGBTQ+ Rights in South Africa

Back in 1996, South Africa was the first nation in the world to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in its Constitution. South Africa was also just the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage in November of 2006. Only the Netherlands (2001), Belgium (2003), Spain (2005) and Canada (2005) preceded the country in passing this important legislation.

While female homosexuality has always been legal in South Africa, male homosexuality was not legal until 1998 when anti-LGBT discrimination in employment was also banned.

With respect to other LGBT+ rights, men who have sex with men can donate blood in South Africa provided they have had no new sexual partners in the last six months and not more than one sexual partner during that period. It’s the same rule for all people since a gender neutral policy was implemented in 2014. In addition, transgender individuals can change their legal gender without reassignment surgery (hormone therapy required at a minimum), and LGBT+ people can serve openly in the military. Single LGBT+ and same sex couples can also adopt.

Overall, South Africa continues to be a leader in LGBT+ protections and shines as a beacon of acceptance for all. The country is often referred to as the rainbow nation to describe its diversity with people of all colors and from all backgrounds. While work always needs to be done to improve public opinion and keep hard fought protections from reversing, South Africa is moving forward in a positive direction. Check out the posts below as we highlight some of our favorite gay and gay-friendly travel destinations in South Africa!

Gay Movie Inspiration

While it's certainly not a feel good movie, Moffie, a derogatory word for gay men in Afrikaans shows just how far and how fast times have changed for the better in South Africa since the 1980's. The movie poignantly follows a young man as he completes his brutal two years of compulsory military service while desperately maintaining the secrecy of his homosexuality.

Trai on the Rocks at Sunset - Playa del Amor, Zipolite

27 Jan 2024

10 Best Gay Nude Beaches in the World in 2024

For the 10 best gay nude beaches in the world, join us as we take you on a journey around the globe to countdown ten of our favorites. Are you ready to have some fun in your birthday suit with us!?

22 Jan 2024

Gay Cape Town – Your Complete LGBTQ+ Travel Guide in 2024

Welcome to Gay Cape Town in the rainbow nation of South Africa! As one of the most gay-friendly countries on the planet, it's undisputed LGBTQ+ capital is Cape Town. It's also a dream travel destination for many gay travelers. If you’re planning a trip, then read on as we explore the best of Gay Cape Town!

More Gay Travel Destinations

Inspiration for your next Gaycation

Hi! We're Two Gay Expats

Hi gorgeous, and welcome to our LGBTQ+ travel blog! We're Andy and Trai, a gay couple traveling the world with PRIDE 🌈 …and our rescue dog, Pattie!

After meeting in San Francisco in 2018 and later moving to Chicago, we decided to quit our jobs in 2021, sell everything, and become Two Gay Expats. For over two years, we explored the best of gay Mexico while waiting for our house, Casa Cangrejo, to be completed in Tulum. We got married at The Beach Tulum in 2020 and became Mexican permanent residents in 2022.

Today, we continue to travel around Mexico and the world to show you our favorite places. If you'd like to follow our adventures, subscribe on YouTube and join us on Instagram.

🖤 Andy + Trai

Inspiration

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