Ouagadougou - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not an openly accepting local culture for LGBT expats. Within the expat community, there are a few LGBT-identified folks, but the community is small. - Jun 2020
Unknown - Jul 2019
As in most of Africa, homosexuality is not culturally accepted here. However, the Burkinabe tend not to voice their objections, and harassment is rare. You may experience problems and discrimination in certain settings (reserving a hotel room, holding hands in public.) The government of Burkina Faso does not recognize same-sex marriage, which could affect spouses' diplomatic/legal status. - Dec 2017
Burkina Faso is one of the few countries in the region where homosexuality is not illegal. On the other hand, a recent presidential candidate partially ran on the platform of making it illegal. - May 2016
The Burkinabe are very accepting but discrimination against gays and lesbians remains prevalent. - Jun 2015
Although not widely accepted in the local community, I have not heard about any overt anti-gay issues. - Jul 2013
I would surmise that it is not. - Apr 2013
Burkina Faso is not tolerant towards gays and lesbians. It isn't talked about, and the culture is pretty conservative and traditional, although it's not really seen as a problem in the community. There is a gay community, although it is very much underground and seems to intend to stay that way. If you are discreet and don't talk about it, you shouldn't have a problem here, but it's not a good city for gays, as you would probably expect. - Nov 2012
No. - Aug 2010
No. - Jul 2008
No. This is still a traditional society and the police periodically close down gay/lesbian establishments. - Jun 2008
