Cape Town, known as South Africa's "Mother City," is a beacon of diversity and one of the most inclusive cities on the African continent, making it a standout destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Nestled between majestic mountains and the vast ocean, Cape Town offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a vibrant gay scene that is celebrated for its openness and cultural richness.
The heart of Cape Town's LGBTQ+ life is centered in the De Waterkant area, often compared to San Francisco&rsquo;s Castro district. This lively neighborhood boasts a plethora of gay bars, clubs, and cafes, alongside stylish boutiques and fine dining establishments, all contributing to its dynamic atmosphere. Cape Town also hosts an annual Pride festival, which is a high-energy, joyous celebration that attracts visitors from across the globe.
Beyond its gay-friendly nightlife and events, Cape Town offers a range of attractions that cater to diverse interests&mdash;from the historic Robben Island to the scenic beauty of Table Mountain and the vibrant markets of Greenmarket Square. The city&rsquo;s beaches, including the popular Clifton 3rd, are perfect spots for sunbathing, socializing, and sometimes spotting whales and dolphins.
Cape Town&rsquo;s commitment to inclusivity can also be seen in its array of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and the welcoming attitude of its people, making it an ideal destination for those who value both adventure and a warm reception.

About Cape Town

Made officially legal through the Consolidated Children's Act of 2010

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Legal under the case of Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development, later made official through the Consolidated Children's Act of 2010

As of December 14th 2007 all Age of consent is equal across the country. 

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, as inserted by the Immorality Amendment Act 2 of 1988, set the age of consent for gay and lesbian sex at 19, as opposed to 16 for straight sex. However, in the case of Geldenhuys v National Director of Public Prosecutions and Others the Constitutional Court found this discrimination to be unconstitutional, and set 16 as the uniform age of consent retroactively to 27 April 1994.

Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, as inserted by the Immorality Amendment Act 2 of 1988, set the age of consent for gay and lesbian sex at 19, as opposed to 16 for straight sex. Gay male sex was in any case illegal for all ages.

Even though gay male sex was illegal for all ages, section 14 of the Immorality Act 23 of 1957, as inserted by the Immorality Amendment Act 57 of 1969, set the age of consent for gay male sex at 19, as opposed to 16 for straight sex. There was no age of consent for lesbian sex.

Newer law has been passed. As of 20/05/2014 South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will accept donations from anyone as long as they have been in a monogamous relationship for the prior six months, or celibate - regardless of sexual orientation.  Donors will be asked about sexual history rather than sexual orientation.  Six month deferral instead applies to everyone with new sexual partners.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Men cannot donate blood before May 2014, at the time it was a high risk for HIV and AIDS. They have since nulled the bill. A newer one has passed

In South Africa, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act allows people to apply to have their sex status altered in the population registry, and consequently to receive identity documents and passports indicating their gender identity. The law states that transgender persons must undergo gender reassignment. This includes medical interventions but is not limited to surgery alone. Hormone therapy is considered to be gender reassignment, therefore surgery per se is not required.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 51 of 1974 provided the legal foundation for—ostensibly white—South Africans who had “undergone a change of sex” to alter their “sex description” in the country’s birth register. 

There's no evidence that conversation therapy is practiced in South Africa, despite this, conversion therapy is believed to be performed.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Prohibition of "sexual orientation" discrimination was first included at Section 8 of the Interim Constitution that came into force in April 1994, and was carried through Section 9(3) of the Constitution of South Africa (1996).

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Section 9(3) of the South African Constitution prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender and sexual orientation. In addition, the Constitutional Court has stated that the section must also be interpreted as prohibiting discrimination against transgender people.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

While it remained illegal until the court gave its ruling on 9 October 1998, the 1998 ruling was ordered to be retroactively applied to 27 April 1994.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

The prescribed penalty was a fine of up to R4000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

As of 2006, South Africa made it legal to have a gay marriage as well as any other form of marriage in the act. As of 2020, there was an amendment to the bill, stating that same-sex marriage is a sole reason to get married. South Africa was the fifth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

South Africa is currently the only African country to allow transgender service in their military.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Between these time frames, the military often sent homosexual soldiers to psychiatric hospitals for shock therapy and, in some cases, sexual reassignment surgeries. Between 1967 and 1991, all white males over the age of 16 were conscripted in South Africa

While the South African government had brought up offering non-binary identification in 2021, it hasn't been realized as of yet.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

South Africa

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Gay Cape Town Mid-range Hotels

Cape Town

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Cape Town Gay Bars

GLEN BOUTIQUE

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Cape Town Gay Saunas

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Cape Town Gay Guesthouses & B&Bs

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Gay Cape Town Luxury Hotels

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Cape Town Gay Cruise Clubs

Cape Town Beaches

Gay Cape Town Beaches

Nestled on the rugged coast of South Africa, Cape Town is a city of extremes, in every sense of the word.

Things To Do in Cape Town

We rank The World's Best Gay Beaches - from sun-soaked stretches of Koh Samui to Rio De Janeiro’s vibrant Ipanema.

Gay Maldives hotels

The World's Best Gay Beaches

Enter Grindr, the world's leading dating and social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. In this guide, we'll explore how to use Grindr effectively while traveling to find and meet people who can add depth and excitement to your journey.

A guide to using Grindr when you travel

The Westin

The Westin Cape Town

CAPE ROYALE

Cape Royale Residences

The Grey Hotel

Where to Stay?

Time for a drink!

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Mid-Range Hotels

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Bars

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Gay Cape Town

The best gay bars, dance clubs, gay-rated hotels, gay saunas and gay cruise clubs in Cape Town

Gay Cape Town Guide 2024 — gay bars, clubs, hotels & more

Cape Town is the most cosmopolitan city in Africa and its undisputed gay capital

Owners Description: Queer Eye Tours is a Luxurious/Private Tour Company dedicated to exposing South Africa&rsquo;s, Western Cape to the LGBTQIA+ community.
We are focusing on this niche market, as we believe no one else is doing this to the level we are willing to. Whilst doing so, we are available to people from all walks of life, who respect everyone&rsquo;s right to be and enjoy variety, which is the spice of life.
A little market research has shown that very few other companies are focusing on the Western Cape Tourism Industry in this way, making your needs, safety, and requirements our first priority.
So, we invite you to join us with your friends and loved ones, as we unravel the hidden and not-so-hidden gems that make our beautiful city one of the best tourist destinations on the globe.
Tours include a full serviced experience of:
<ul>
<li>Collection at Hotel/Guesthouse/AirBNB.</li>
<li>MCC Upon arrival (Our take on Champagne).</li>
<li>Local snacks available in Luxury vehicle. (biltong, dried fruit, olives, cashews, almonds) - In a personalized / environmentally friendly/classic presentation .</li>
<li>Cape Karoo glass bottles of Still/Sparkling water (750ml).</li>
<li>All Entry tickets/tasting fees included.</li>
<li>All Lunch and Alcoholic drinks included.</li>
<li>Wildlife sightseeing.</li>
<li>Luxury Vehicle &ndash; Aircon/Bluetooth etc.</li>
<li>Registered Tour Guide.</li>
<li>LGBTQIA+ History of the Western Cape included in this tour.</li>
</ul>
Contact direct for further information and to book yourself on one fo these fabulous experiences.
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Queer Eye Tours

“Queer Eye Tours – What Really Matters… “

StarGayzer is a popular dance club for gays, lesbians and friends, located in the district of Parow, outside central Cape Town. This is quite a spit and sawdust venue. No frills, lots of gays and a good night guaranteed. On Ladies' nights, girls get in free before midnight.

Stargayzer Club Cape Town gay club main

StarGayzer

StarGayzer is a popular dance club for gays, le...

Manhattan is a gay cafe, restaurant, and bar in the heart of Cape Town's gay district, De Waterkant. This is one of the longest-running gay establishments in town. They serve good hangover food - lots of chips.&nbsp;The terrace outside is good for people watching. Inside it's spacious and it often gets busy.

manhattan

Cafe Manhattan

Manhattan is a gay cafe, restaurant, and bar in...

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