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City in São Vicente, Cabo Verde

Is Mindelo LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet

Is Mindelo LGBTQ+ friendly?

Legal and relatively relaxed, especially in the arts scene, though family-centred attitudes mean most people stay discreet.

LGBTQ+ laws in Cabo Verde

Decriminalised in 2004 and employment discrimination is banned; island culture is socially conservative but relaxed.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalYes
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsYes
Legal gender changeNo
Anti-discrimination lawPartial

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Cabo Verde

PlaceRating
Sal3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Boa Vista3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Mindelo3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Praia3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet

Quick answers

Is Mindelo safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Legal and relatively relaxed, especially in the arts scene, though family-centred attitudes mean most people stay discreet.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Cabo Verde?

No. Civil unions are recognized.

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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 Spotted something out of date?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.