What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Namibia? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is homosexuality legal in Namibia?

In Namibia, there is no codified sodomy provision, but it remains a crime in the country under the Roman-Dutch common law in force.

It doesn’t appear that this law is being actively enforced.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Namibia?

No. There are no protections from discrimination on the basis of sexuality.

Is there Marriage Equality in Namibia?

No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Namibia?

Namibia is a socially conservative country. While life remains challenging for LGBTQ people, there is a sense that progress is being made.

What’s the history of homosexuality in Namibia?

Same-sex sexual activity has been documented among various modern-day Namibian groups. In the 18th century, the Khoikhoi people recognised the terms koetsire which refers to a man who is sexually receptive to another man, and soregus, which refers to same-sex masturbation usually among friends.

In the 1920s, German anthropologist Kurt Falk reported homosexuality and same-sex marriage ceremonies among the Ovambo, Nama, Herero and Hema peoples. Ovambo men taking the passive role in sex with other men are called kimbanda or eshengi. Among the Herero, erotic friendships (known as oupanga) between two people regardless of sex were common, and typically included anal intercourse (okutunduka vanena).