Gay venues johannesburg
SSouth Africa has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world: homosexuality is legal; queer adoptions were legalised in 2003; and, only two years later in 2005, gay civil marriages became legal.
Johannesburg epitomises this forward-thinking approach, and although it just lost out by a whisker to Cologne for the 2010 Same-sex attracted Games, it hosts The Out in Africa International Lgbtq+ and Lesbian Clip Festival held yearly, whilst its annual Joburg Pride Pride first hit the Joburg streets in 1990, before the current constitution came into force.
Today, the Joburg Pride event has grown into Africa’s oldest and biggest celebration of gay and dyke pride and attracts thousands of people, not only from South Africa but from all over the world. It takes place in Melrose Arch and is a entertainment, vibrant day out.
Gay and lesbian communities happily live in all of South Africa’s major cities, including Johannesburg, but what you’ll discover is that Joburg is an integrated city with small or no discrimination against gay people who frequent most restaurants, bars and clubs. You’ll be welcome most places you go.
There’s no shortage of nightlife that brims with cinemas, theatres, bars, nightc
In our gay guide to Johannesburg, we're sharing the best of the foremost of the gay scene, safe places to wait, and top things to do.
“Guys don't go to Johannesburg…you'll get mugged or shot at!”
…so said many of our friends across our social media channels. We touched down at Tambo airport feeling quite tentative about our trip here. But as with many big cities we've been to on our travels with big “warning signs” from fellow travelers (Rio, Delhi, Buenos Aires, to name a few), we were absolutely decent.
Jo'burg is like any big major city. Of course, it has its problems, and you should avoid certain areas, shut up your valuables in your hotel room's protected, and keep your cell in your pocket out of harm's reach. But with basic common instinct, your trip will be worry-free. This was our experience, despite being on our guard from the moment we arrived.
Johannesburg is a fascinating city to explore, and a accomplish contrast to Cape Town. It's gritty, edgy, uncooked, tough, full of leafy spaces, and has the most welcoming, friendly people you'll meet. It even has a small but exciting gay scene. As the largest city and financial hub of South Af
Categories > Guides and Tips
If you’re gay and currently travelling in South Africa, then you’re in for a treat! The Rainbow Nation has great gay clubs for you to party it up and meet like-minded (party-loving) folks.
From boogie clubs to bars, Johannesburg’s gay club scene is one of the top in the entire country. We’ve picked the best same-sex attracted clubs in the city where you can hang out and enjoy a night of drinking and partying with friends!
1. Babylon
Address: 198 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, South Africa
Website: https://babylonbar.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 73 030 6398
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Sunday, 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
- Closed from Monday to Thursday
The Babylon Exclude is a male lover club that you will want to spend a evening partying in thanks to its contemporary and chic appeal. The interiors of this place are phenomenal with radiant lights across the walls and ceiling, a large sway floor for guests, and a pole dancing area!
On highest of the striking interiors, there are also private booths that you can rent here for some privacy with your partner or loved one. Grab the scene and the revelry all in as you enjoy the club’s signature cocktails and mixers
Queer Spaces in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and its economic hub. One would ponder such a city, in the continent’s most gradual country, would be residence to at least a sizeable amount of homosexual businesses, but that’s sadly not the case. Still, the city is abode to a few gender non-conforming friendly spaces and LGBTQI-specific events that are worth both your time and dime.
Curating this list is rapper, Mx Blouse, whose boundless music has place them as a mainstay on the music scene in Jo'Burg. For the best queer-safe spaces in the city see below.
In this Guide
The Tennis Club
“Johannesburg has a serious lack of establishments that cater particularly to the LGBTQIA+ community, but Tennis Club is one of the venues that are not just paying lip service to “queer friendly” – they really are. It’s one of the scant places I feel cozy rocking up at in a crop top and loads of eyeliner without a worry in the world. In addition to that, they often host gay-themed parties and dress-up parties in general, which are always fun and go right into the early hours of the morning. Tennis Club has often played host to LE GRAND BALL.”
More InfoThis city, a phoenix reborn from the apartheid era, now thrives as a vibrant hub of art, fashion, and gastronomy, making it an irresistible destination for the LGBTQ+ society and allies alike. Gay nightlife is bigger than ever here, particularly in the Greenside and Melville areas, offering some of the best gay bars in Johannesburg (and for the most part, same-sex attracted and straight mix and mingle throughout the city). Safety-wise, check in with locals for a heads up on what to avoid—as the seat of South Africa’s wealth, Joburg has serious income inequality issues and some areas contend with lots of street crime.
No visit to Johannesburg is complete without a stop at Constitution Hill. More than just a former prison, it's a powerful symbol of South Africa's journey to democracy. The site tells heart-wrenching stories of the past while showcasing the country's commitment to human rights. The LGBTQ+ society, in particular, will detect resonance in the narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph over adversity.
Next up Soweto! An emblem of courage and resistance, this is where the battle against apartheid came alive. The Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela House provide profound insigh