Mauritius is seeing a positive trend when it comes to the LGBTQ and intersex community, even though consensual same-sex sexual relations remain criminalized.

Young Queer Alliance, an LGBTQ and intersex rights group in the southern African country, on July 7 released findings of the research it conducted in 2022. Its work indicates attitudes towards LGBTQ and intersex people in Mauritius have improved from where they were five years ago. 

The number of LGBTQ and intersex couples living together has doubled from 5.6 percent in 2017 to 11 percent in 2022. Nearly 63 percent of those who identified as LGBTQ or intersex came out to a sibling in 2022, compared to 53.5 percent in 2017. The percentage also increased when it came to coming out to parents or guardians — from 29 percent in 2017 to 41.7 percent in 2022.

Young Queer Alliance, however, said although these were positive results, the LGBTQ and intersex community was still facing brazen attacks and stigma from religious sects and other segments of Mauritian society.

Young Queer Alliance noted religious bodies should become voices for the LGBTQ and intersex community by offering them protection and refuge as their connections to themselves and their faith remain personal, unshakable and sacred.

Young Queer Alliance painted a grim picture when it comes to tolerance of LGBTQ and intersex people in Mauritius, especially in the workplace.

“61.5 percent of LGBTQ+ people reported that they have been victims of discrimination at their workplace. However, we regularly sensitize and empower LGBTQ+ persons on their rights including employment rights,” said Young Queer Alliance. “Some 102 employees in five private sector companies have been sensitized on the diversity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. Moreover, as and when there are complaints of workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, YQA approaches the Ministry of Labor or the Equal Opportunities Commission for a resolution.” 

Young Queer Alliance also said there was very little possibility that consensual same-sex sexual relations will be legalized anytime soon.

“Unfortunately, the current government was elected with only 38 percent of national votes representing less than 30 percent of all eligible voters,” said Young Queer Alliance. “Politics is closely linked with socio-cultural and religious groups. Government has made it clear that it would not decriminalize sodomy given the social fabric. Nevertheless, members of the opposition are more supportive of LGBTQ+ rights.”

Young Queer Alliance said it is heart breaking to see LGBTQ and intersex people flee the country and leave their families for asylum in other countries where they can be themselves and freely express their sexual identity.

An anti-LGBTQ billboard that said “cursed is he who practices the deed of the people of Lot (homosexuality) was erected in Port Louis, the Mauritian capital, a few days ago. Collectif Arc-en-Ciel, a local LGBTQ and intersex rights group, said Muslim extremists erected it.

“We respect all point of view and the freedom of expression, nonetheless it is rather deplotable that in 2023 such a statement can be published without the authorities responding whilst it clearly can be termed as hate speech towards the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Collectif Arc-en-Ciel Director Jean Daniel Wong.

Any person found guilty of the crime of sodomy or bestiality under Mauritian law shall be liable to penal faces up to five years in prison.

More than 400 people participated in Collectif Arc-en-Ciel’s annual Pride parade, which local authorities deemed illegal. Police did not arrest any of them, but they did face death threats.