Bamako - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not particularly-- it's a pretty conservative country (as a 30-something female I'm often pitied for being single and childless) and I don't imagine publicly announcing or showing that one is LGBT would be tolerated very well. - Apr 2017
Homosexuality is pretty hidden in Bamako. I know of some gay/lesbian expats that have been able to date a bit (other expats, no locals) but you would never see a local openly celebrating being gay. Despite being such a friendly culture, Mali can be quite conservative. - Aug 2014
I haven't heard either way. There is a fairly conversative Muslim culture here, which is probably why I haven't heard or seen anything overtly. - Jul 2011
This is a Muslim country, so homosexuality isn't well taken. - Jul 2011
I've heard some officers make disparaging remarks about gay employees at the US Embassy, but most Embassy personnel seem to be open-minded. Homosexuality is taboo in Malian culture (African tradition coupled with the Islamic faith), and the gay scene is very much underground in Bamako. There are some expat gay couples, including two Franco-Malian couples I know and they seem to have no problems in Bamako. - Oct 2010
This is a Muslim country but then again, Malians are very tolerant. However, I do not see many openly gay people in Mali. - May 2010
Probably not the best place, as there is certainly no sort of gay scene whatsoever, nor are there many gay people in the international community. Malians are wonderfully tolerant, but this is still a seriously Muslim country. That said, there are gay couples here (French) and they are together publicly with no problems, but they keep it very low key. But this is no different than anyone else, you never see public displays of affection, and women dress quite conservatively. - Sep 2009
People seem tolerant but in terms of activities, don't know. - Apr 2009
Probably not so much if you were single. - Feb 2009
I think it would be tough. - Feb 2009
