UK ( 0537 63 33 33; http://ukinmorocco.fco.gov.uk/en; 28 Ave SAR Sidi Mohammed, Soussi) Also has honorary
consulates in Agadir, Marrakesh and Tangier.
USA ( 0537 76 22 65; http://rabat.usembassy.gov; 2 Ave de Mohammed El Fassi) Also has a consulate-general in
Casablanca.Gay & Lesbian Travellers
» » Homosexual acts (including kissing) are illegal in Morocco – you can go to jail and/or be
fined.
» » In practice, although not openly admitted or shown, sex between men remains relatively
common, even if few people actively identify themselves as gay.
» » Platonic affection is freely shown among Moroccans, more so between men than women.
» » For travellers, discretion is the key in most places. Avoid public displays of affection –
aggression towards gay male travellers is not unheard of.
» » Some towns are more gay-friendly than others, with Marrakesh winning the prize, followed
by Tangier.
» » There are no dedicated gay destinations, although ‘gay’ bars can be found here and there;
nightlife in the bigger cities includes something for everybody.
» » The pressures of poverty mean many young men will consider having sex for money or
gifts. Exploitative relationships form an unpleasant but real dimension of the Moroccan gay
scene.
Women
» » Lesbians shouldn’t encounter any problems, though it’s commonly believed by Moroccans
that there are no lesbians in their country.
» » Announcing that you’re a lesbian probably won’t make would-be Romeos magically
disappear. It may simply confirm Moroccan men’s belief that Western males don’t measure up
in the sexual department.
Websites
Useful websites that give the low-down on local laws and attitudes to homosexuality include the
following:
Behind the Mask (www.mask.org.za) Detailed information and related news stories for every
African country.
Communauté de Femmes Lesbiennes, Bi et Trans du Maroc (www.mennawfena.net, in
French) For lesbian, bisexual and transsexual women in Morocco.
Gay & Lesbian Arab Society (www.glas.org) Resources on homosexuality in the Arab world.
Global Gayz (www.globalgayz.com) A useful resource with good links on Morocco.
Mithly (www.mithly.net, in French & Arabic) The first gay magazine in the Arab world.
Spartacus International Gay Guide (www.spartacusworld.com) Renowned guide to gay
travel around the world with info on Morocco.
Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and, in particular, medical problems is strongly