LGBT Rights in South Africa - Living Conditions

Living Conditions

Although the Constitutional and legal system in South Africa theoretically ensure equality, social acceptance is generally lacking, especially outside of urban areas in the eastern half of the country.

In 1998, the then National Party leader denied accusations that he had paid a man for sex, by stating that he was a "Boerseun" (farmer's son), implying that homosexuality was not something to be found among Afrikaners. South African gay rights organisations called for an apology.

There have been a number of cases in which gay women have been the victims of murder, beating or rape. This has been posited, in part, to be because of the perceived threat they pose to traditional male authority. South Africa has no specific "hate crime" legislation; human rights organisations have criticised the South African police for failing to address the matter of bias motivated crimes. For example, the NGO ActionAid has condemned the continued impunity and accused governments of turning a blind eye to reported murders of lesbians in homophobic attacks in South Africa; as well as to so-called “corrective” rapes, including cases among pupils, in which cases the male rapists purport to raping the lesbian victim with the intent of thereby “curing” her of her sexual orientation. Human rights watchdogs believe that much of the sexism and homophobia that erupts is tied to male frustration with unemployment and poverty.

Despite the occasional incidents of homophobia, gay people in major urban areas, such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, are fairly accepted, and all of these cities have a thriving gay nightlife. Cultural, arts, sports and outdoor activities play a major part in everyday South African gay life. Annual Gay pride events are held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Smaller cities such as Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and East London, too, cater for gay people. Knysna hosts the yearly Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, which attracts gay people from all over the country.

Locally produced television programmes also focus on gay life. The locally produced soap opera Egoli featured a long term gay relationship.

South Africa, due to its reputation as Africa's most gay-friendly destination, attracts thousands of LGBT tourists annually. The official South African Tourism site offers in depth travel tips for the gay traveller. Gay-friendly establishments are situated throughout South Africa and may be found on various gay travel websites.

Gay professionals are employed at major companies throughout the country. Homosexuals are also targeted through various marketing campaigns, as the corporate world recognises the value of the "Pink Rand".

Prominent religious leaders have voiced their support for the South African LGBT community. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Allan Boesak are vocal supporters of gay rights in South Africa. Even the conservative Dutch reformed church ruled that gay members should not be discriminated against and could hold certain positions within the church. However, much criticism of the church still exists; a court has ruled against a church congregation, for firing a gay musician; the issue provoked much uproar from the gay community and within liberal circles.

The U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report found that “rights groups reported that the LGBT community was subject to societal abuses including hate crimes, gender violence targeting lesbians, and killings."