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Capital city in Água Grande, Sao Tome and Principe

Is São Tomé LGBTQ+ friendly?

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

Is São Tomé LGBTQ+ friendly?

Decriminalized in 2012 and low-key attitudes, but there are no visible venues; discretion advised.

LGBTQ+ laws in Sao Tome and Principe

Decriminalised in 2012; attitudes are relaxed but conservative, and there are no visible venues, so travellers should be discreet.

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

Quick answers

Is São Tomé safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Decriminalized in 2012 and low-key attitudes, but there are no visible venues; discretion advised.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Sao Tome and Principe?

No.

More about São Tomé

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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 Spotted something out of date?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.