Durban Calls Itself South Africa’s Gayest City Because It Has The Fewest Gay Bashings

Completely overstepping Johannesburg and Cape Town, Siphokazi Nombande of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre has gone ahead and declared Durban, a busy port with about 3.5 million residents, South Africa’s gayest city.

Why?

Because, she explains, “we have a very small number of hate crimes against gays and lesbians reported in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal in general. I would say there are ten cases that have been reported. But these are the cases that we have records of. There could be many more.” Did we mention it’s Durban Pride Week?

The coastal city, South Africa’s second-largest, actually has a lot going for it. But someone needs to help Nombande with her messaging. While other “gayest cities” concentrate on the number of queer attractions and the size of the local LGBT community, she’s all, “Gay people get beaten up here the least!” It really makes us wanna visit.

Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated