LGBTQ rights in South Africa

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in South Africa have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people, the only country in Africa where this is the case. South Africa has a complex and diverse history regarding the human rights of LGBTQ people. The legal and social status of between 450,000 to over 10 million lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex South Africans has been influenced by a combination of factors. They have strengthened over the years, as has acceptance of the community.

Contributing factors include traditional South African morals amongst some citizens, colonialism, the lingering effects of apartheid, the human rights movement that contributed to its abolition, a strong legal system of protections for marginalised communities, and a generally progressive political landscape and younger generation.

The country hosts numerous LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, and major cities celebrate Pride. South Africa is generally considered the safest and most welcoming country in Africa for the LGBTQ+ community, and as of 2025, the country ranks highly on a global scale for LGBTQ+ rights, protections, and travel.

South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2006, South Africa became the fifth country in the world and the first and only nation in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples can also adopt children jointly, and also arrange IVF and surrogacy treatments. LGBTQ people have constitutional and statutory protections from discrimination in employment and society, the provision of goods and services and many other areas.