Cairo - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. There is frequent violence against LGBTQ+ locals and they don't really tolerate LGBTQ+ individuals. - Mar 2023
Egypt actively represses the LGBT community. Daily safety for an LGBT diplomat would likely be fine, but someone with a same-sex spouse would probably not be made to feel comfortable holding hands on the street, for example. There are no public LGBT-affirming spaces like bars, etc. - Aug 2022
This is unfortunately one of the downsides. LGBTQ+ diplomats have been unable to secure visas for their spouses. - Aug 2022
It would be very challenging to live an open life in Egypt. Non-cishet people are not widely accepted among Egyptians. - Mar 2022
I met several and they all enjoyed Egypt, but there is a stigma, and no one was obvious about it. - Dec 2021
I don't think so. - Jan 2020
You would not be able to live an open LGBT life style here. - Jan 2018
Absolutely not, mostly due to religious beliefs. - Sep 2017
No. While there are plenty of LGBT people in the city, there's no real sense of community. The scene is totally underground, and same-sex romantic relationships are totally taboo. That said, I know a number of same-sex expat couples that were enjoying their time in Cairo. - May 2017
No. Whilst not illegal, LBGT people are not treated well in this country. This is changing but I still wouldn't recommend it. - May 2017
This would not be a good place to be openly gay. It is frowned upon in local culture. - Jan 2016
Absolutely not- grounds for incarceration - Jan 2016
I don't think so. - Oct 2014
No, it would be tough. Egypt is a very conservative society (not as strict as some like KSA) and people have even been arrested and prosecuted for homosexuality. - Aug 2014
Not in any open way, but probably ok if discreet. - Aug 2014
Probably not great. - May 2014
Absolutely not. - Apr 2014
Doubtful. - Mar 2014
Egyptians are definitely not accepting of gay people, but having said that -- the men are extremely touchy feely with each other, and it is nothing for a straight dude to hold hands or kiss another dude -- so you could easily go by unnoticed if you like to walk around hand in hand! - Jul 2013
I can't imagine that it is. - Jul 2013
From my personal experience, absolutely not. My partner and I are always looking over our shoulders. We both speak fluent Arabic, and we have to force ourselves to ignore the malicious comments. We do constantly fear that we will be the victims of violent hate crimes here. There is just no tolerance of same-sex couples here, and the embassy doesn't really have any programs to help LBGT people adapt. - Jun 2013
I wouldn't think so. Although I do know several couples who have successful relationships here. - Jun 2013
No way. - May 2013
Absolutely not. - May 2013
I haven't heard much, but gay friends do not come here, so there's probably a reason why. - May 2013
It isn't the worst, and I've known of G&L expats who have thrived here. But open G&L behavior is still pretty much taboo in the general society. - Feb 2013
Absolutely not. Period. - Feb 2013
No. - Mar 2013
No. Women are subject to sexual assault (digital rape) and verbal harassment. We assess our dress on a daily basis, being careful to ensure we're not showing too much (read: any) ski---although this doesn't seem to stop the harassment. Several of our friends have been groped. - Mar 2013
Absolutely not. This is a very homophobic society. You can go to prison for being LGBT here. It would be uncomfortable to even go out to dinner together. - Feb 2013
Don't know, but I see quite a few gay egyptians. - Jan 2013
I believe there is a large underground GL community here in Egypt by Egyptians. I don't have any friends here that are G or L, so I don't know first-hand how they are treated. - Nov 2012
- Sep 2011
There is a Gold's Gym near my house that seems to be a meet-up spot for gay men. Like all sexual expression in Arab countries, it is discreet, but it does happen. - Aug 2011
It is illegal, but that does not say it is totally underground. I met my partner here. There are a few bars and cafes to go to, but they are not openly GLBT. The community is large if not always visible. - Aug 2011
There is a big contradiction in this area. There is a large and thriving gay community, although it has to remain completely underground. Occasionally, the government decides to crack down. In the past there have been raids on clubs, where all the foreigners were released, but local people were arrested. Occasionally, they will decide to deport gay expats. They don't seem to care about women as much as men. I don't know if things will change with a new government, but I'm guessing they won't. So, I would say as long as you discretely live alone or with a partner, have a mixed group of friends, and don't have big parties, you will probably have a good time. - Jul 2011
No. It's probably not a good idea, as Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. It's not a good idea to by gay/lesbian. They are not tolerant. - Jun 2011
Egyptians are openly hostile to homosexuality. I understand it is an act which can be punished by law. If there is a gay/lesbian scene, it would be very secretive. - Sep 2010
I haven't seen or heard anything to suggest it's not. - Jun 2010
Homosexuality is illegal in Egypt, and there have been arrests made of gay Egyptians. However, from what I have heard, there is an underground gay scene. Nevertheless, Egyptians in general are not open about homosexuality, and the topic is not discussed. - Dec 2009
