LGBT in Cape Verde, open to tolerance.
Africa is not exactly a continent known for being gay-friendly. Indeed, we think of it as an exotic territory, also very diverse, but not from the point of view of sexual diversity. However, there are countries that have come a long way in this area, more than you might imagine. Perhaps LGBT rights in Cape Verde cannot be equated to those of other European or Western countries. Much remains to be done, it is clear, but it is true that the archipelago is one of the most tolerant countries on the continent.
Cape Verde is a country that attracts attention for the hospitality of its people. It is enough to take a stroll through any of its islands to realize the warmth and friendliness in the treatment. And now it can also boast of being an open place.
Not surprisingly, according to a 2016 report by Afrobarometer, it is the African country with the highest tolerance towards homosexuals. What’s more, according to the survey, 74% of those asked responded that they would not mind living with homosexual people. But the document goes further because it even shows that the LGBT world in Cape Verde is not criminalized by the citizens, as is the case in most countries of the continent.
"Much remains to be done, it is clear, but it is true that the archipelago is one of the most tolerant countries on the continent."
In the opinion of experts, Cape Verde could well be on a par with other countries such as Italy or Argentina in this respect.
Pride has been present in the archipelago since 2013.
There are several signs that Cape Verdean society is one of the least homophobic and most tolerant. One fact is that, since 2013, the traditional Gay Pride parade has been held. Specifically, the initiative arose in Mindelo, the second largest city in Cape Verde and located on the island of São Vicente. It was undoubtedly a milestone, as it was the second parade to celebrate sexual freedom to be held on the African continent. The first had already been held in South Africa.
This type of public manifestations are gradually permeating society and, compared to other African countries, Cape Verde has advanced by leaps and bounds on this issue. That is why it can be considered a destination, if not gay-friendly, at least ostensibly more open than its neighbors.
Specifically, it is possible to highlight places such as the aforementioned Mindelo or Santa Maria, located on the island of Sal, as the most tolerant towards the LGBT environment in Cape Verde.
Although, of course, there is still a long way to go, it is a very good indicator that associations dedicated to making this group visible are proliferating. These organizations have even ensured that the Gay Pride parade, which has been held in Mindelo since 2013, has also been extended to Praia, the Cape Verdean capital.
All these aspects allow LGBT tourism in Cape Verde to be more and more present and, of course, without fear to enjoy a wonderful vacation in this small and unknown paradise.
