City in Gauteng, South Africa
Is Johannesburg LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Johannesburg LGBTQ+ friendly?
Legal equality and a visible scene in Melville, Rosebank and Braamfontein. Conservative townships and hate crimes exist, so be discreet outside gay venues.
LGBTQ+ laws in South Africa
Africa's most legally protective country, with gay scenes in Cape Town (De Waterkant) and Johannesburg; rural areas and townships are conservative and hate crimes occur.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Yes |
The scene in Johannesburg
Where to go
- Melville
- Rosebank
Events
- Johannesburg Pride (Oct)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across South Africa
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Johannesburg | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Pretoria | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Kruger National Park | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Durban | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Stellenbosch | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Hermanus | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Knysna | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Plettenberg Bay | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Port Elizabeth | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Franschhoek | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Umhlanga | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeffreys Bay | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Johannesburg safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Legal equality and a visible scene in Melville, Rosebank and Braamfontein. Conservative townships and hate crimes exist, so be discreet outside gay venues.
Is same-sex marriage legal in South Africa?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Johannesburg?
Melville; Rosebank
More about Johannesburg
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- UK FCDO travel advice: South Africa
- SARS Customs online traveller declaration
- Gautrain
- Airports Company South Africa
- Joburg Tourism
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 Spotted something out of date?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.