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

Is homosexuality legal in South Africa?

Yes. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1994.

The age of consent is 16, regardless of sexuality.

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

Yes. The 1996 constitution includes anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

Is there Marriage Equality in South Africa?

Yes. Marriage Equality was implemented in 2006.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in South Africa?

South Africa has a complicated history, but the long struggle for human rights and equality across all people has included delivering equality for LGBTQ people.

However, homophobia remains an issue.

What’s the history of homosexuality in South Africa?

Homosexuality and same-sex relations have been documented among various modern-day South African 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.The Bantu peoples, most notably the Zulu, Basotho, Mpondo, and Tsonga people, had a tradition of young men forming relationships with older men and providing sexual services.Other Bantu peoples, including the Tswana people, and the Ndebele people, had traditions of acceptance or indifference towards same-sex sexual acts.Before battle, Ndebele male warriors, as well as Zulu warriors, would have sex with each other.In these societies, homosexuality was not viewed as an antithesis to heterosexuality. There was widespread liberty to engage in sexual activity with both men and women.There is evidence that Shaka, the famous Zulu monarch, engaged in same-sex sexual activity – particularly with his male warriors. Sex between men was viewed as promoting loyalty and intimacy.