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Capital city, Turkmenistan

Is Ashgabat LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
1/5Dangerous

Is Ashgabat LGBTQ+ friendly?

Sex between men is a crime with prison, and the state monitors communications. There is no visible community.

LGBTQ+ laws in Turkmenistan

Extremely hostile and closely policed; there is no visible community. Keep complete discretion, including on your phone.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalNo
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsNo
Legal gender changeNo
Anti-discrimination lawNo
Legal penaltyMale same-sex acts: up to 2 years' prison (Article 135)

Quick answers

Is Ashgabat safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Sex between men is a crime with prison, and the state monitors communications. There is no visible community.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Turkmenistan?

No.

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Sources

Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.