Welcome to your comprehensive source of information on how to have a wonderful time in Morocco if you are gay. Having personally walked through the colorful souks and explored the complex culture of this enchanting country, I am eager to convey my observations to you.
Morocco is a historical and architecturally beautiful country with friendly people that will make the trip of any traveler memorable. But as a gay couple, there are certain issues to bear in mind to make your trip enjoyable and, at the same time, safe and sensitive.
In this extensive article, we will discuss the subtleties of Moroccan culture, learn about the prospects of an LGBTQ+ tourist in the cities of Morocco, including Marrakech, and give you tips on how to have a great time in Morocco. Therefore, let’s hop on it and prepare ourselves for mint tea because here is all the information you will need regarding Morocco as a destination for two gay men!
Can a Gay Couple Share a Room in Morocco?
Gay couples can arrange a room in Morocco, and they can sleep together, especially in tourist areas and big cities. This may be one of the key issues that most LGBTQ+ travelers planning to visit this North African country have in mind, and let me assure you that the situation is not as bad as you would expect.
Most hotels, riads and other types of accommodations in areas viewed as low-risk for homosexual behavior are used to catering to foreigners and are rather tolerant of same-sex couples occupying the same room. In fact, it has been found that sometimes they are quite liberal in admitting unmarried couples, gay or straight. This is especially the case in cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca as well as Agadir where tourism forms a substantial part of the economy. However, one should note that room-sharing is allowed, but it is still best to be discreet about it. Morocco remains a conservative society, and public displays of affection are frowned upon for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.
Remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Here are some practical tips to ensure you understand local laws, customs and regulations before you travel.
When choosing your place of stay, it is advisable to book via reliable websites that declare their anti-discrimination policy. This additional step can help to avoid misunderstanding and guarantee the comfortable check in. Search for those that have received favorable comments from the queer community or those that proclaim to be queer-friendly. In my experience, several riads are very friendly, and the ones that tend to be most friendly are the ones that are owned by expats who are originally from Europe or cosmopolitan Moroccans. These beautiful guesthouses not only give a much more authentic Moroccan experience but are also safer and more comfortable for most gay guests.
Is There a Gay Scene in Marrakech?
Marrakech has a limited but growing gay scene, offering a glimpse into the LGBTQ+ life in Morocco. What must not be forgotten is that homosexuality is banned and considered a crime in Morocco, and although Marrakech is more liberal than other cities, it will not be compared to liberal western countries.
The gay scene is pretty clandestine, but this is a city with gay bars and clubs for those who are in the know. The LGBTQ+ community is not very large in Marrakech, but in recent years, there have been efforts to open up venues that are friendly to such individuals. Still, there aren’t any distinct advertisements for gay bars or clubs, as you can see in Europe or North America. But the scene is word-of-mouth in the sense that it is driven by preference and choice and not by regulation.
There are a few underground clubs and bars that everyone knows are gay-friendly within the community. These venues are usually moveable or work in secrecy to avoid any attention from the law-enforcing agents. Gay-friendly hotels and riads are also present in the city, and there are occasions when certain gatherings, such as parties, are attended by both locals and tourists.
Can We Kiss in Public in Morocco?
I would advise against it, as public displays of affection, especially kissing, in Morocco, is not tolerated whether one is gay or straight. This is an important factor to know when going to the country as it is an indication of other social standards that prevail within the region.
Moroccan culture has a low tolerance for what is considered a show of affection, and as such, it is not recommendable to engage in any form of affectionate behavior in the company of the locals as this will only make them uncomfortable. It applies to all couples irrespective of whether they are heterosexual or homosexual, married or cohabiting.
Having said that, there is no reason to cease displaying affection in some ways in public places. Kissing on the lips, for instance, a brief kiss on the cheek as a mark of greeting, saying goodbye, or holding hands, especially among the same sex, will not be considered improper or cause any raised eyebrows. However, it is inadvisable to show affection in forms such as passionate kissing, hugging for long or anything resembling romantic affection. This is not peculiar to Morocco but is the tradition in many conservative cultures, especially in the Middle East and North Africa.
However, as visitors it is also necessary to respect people and their ways of doing things. Not only does this reflect cultural awareness and respect for the locals, but it also increases the chances of a more pleasant experience for both you and the community.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our guide to travelling to Morocco as a gay couple, it is evident that while there are hurdles, they are not insurmountable. I want to state that if one prepares well, is receptive to the local culture and is willing to take a chance, then one can have the most amazing time in this very interesting country. Still, it is imperative to understand that the main idea of the successful trip is the fine line between the need to get closer to the local people and the necessity to be discrete and culturally sensitive. While you may need to be more cautious about public displays of affection, this shouldn’t detract from the myriad wonders Morocco has to offer – from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene beauty of the Sahara.
Staying safe abroad is paramount for all travelers, but it requires extra consideration for LGBTQ+ individuals. I highly recommend reading our article Navigating Cultural Sensitivity: Tips for Gay Male Travellers for more in-depth advice on how to navigate different cultural contexts while staying true to yourself. This resource provides valuable insights that extend beyond Morocco and can be applied to many international travel experiences.
Your Moroccan adventure is just the beginning! If you’re hungry for more travel inspiration and tailored advice for gay couples, I invite you to explore other destination guides and information on my site, Gay Couple Getaway. No matter if you want to have your romantic getaway in one of the European cities, spend your holiday on an exotic beach, or continue your cultural tourism – we will provide you with real stories as well as useful advice. Do not forget that the world is still big and lovely, and it is for those who are willing to embrace its beauty. So get ready, hold your partner’s hand and let us move forward and discover more together!
