Kinshasa - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Kinshasa is neutral for LGBT expats. There isn't really a functioning government, and there are no real legal measures or figures of authority to enforce laws, including laws that might make it illegal to be LGBT. So it's safe in the sense that you'll probably never be found out by the government. I've heard there is a mild LGBT scene in expat circles. It is possible for LGBT people to have a decent life here with some basic discretion, although I imagine it is not without its challenges. - May 2022
I'm not certain. There are a few LGBT in the expat community, but it looks like folks keep their social lives very private. - Aug 2019
I'm not sure about the legal status of homosexuality in DRC, but it is definitely not accepted culturally. I don't think there is much of a gay community, but I don't really know. LGBT colleagues seemed generally dissatisfied. - Apr 2019
I think it's a good city. I'm not sure if there is a big support network but I don't get the sense that there is a lot of prejudice. - Dec 2017
It would be very hard to be out in Kinshasa. Unfortunately, this is an extremely Christian city and judgement from locals is strong. - Jan 2017
Not openly. - Sep 2016
Better than some African countries/cities in that there are fewer arcane anti-gay laws, but I have no idea if there is any LGBT scene here (and I tend to doubt it as I've never heard or seen anything about it). - Apr 2016
Don't know. - Nov 2012
If you stay within the international community, then yes. If you try to find acceptance among the Congolese, it probably won't happen. - Feb 2012
We knew a few gay/lesbian expats, and they keep their lifestyle to themselves. This is a country where they kill people they think are witch doctors. Albino Congolese have fled the rural areas for the safety of the bigger cities. - Jan 2011
