Gay Guide Lebanon

The age of consent for all here is 18 years. Homosexuality was long considered punishable – because article 534, which forbids sexual relations "contra nature", was interpreted so. However, in January 2014 a judge ruled that this law could not be applied to homosexuals because homosexuality was not unnatural. In February 2009, Helem organised what was probably the first protest march for homosexual rights in the Arab world. Almost two dozen gays and lesbians waved rainbow flags on a square in downtown Beirut. With banners they demanded more rights for homosexuals. They protested against the police who beat up two gays who were caught having sex in public. Since 2006, events have been organised on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - but a real pride has not yet taken place. In 2017, "Beirut Pride" was cancelled due to threats from Islamist groups, the following year it was cancelled after the organiser was taken into police custody. In recent years, however, the situation of gay men in Lebanon has rather improved. Gay bars and discos can be run undisturbed and an LGBT centre takes care of all issues the gay scene might have. The Lebanese people are extremely open-minded and hospitable. Lebanon is changing at a rapid pace - every time you re-visit this diverse country, you will feel as if you had gone to a completely different country that has entirely new experiences in store for you. Lebanon is worth a trip all year round: you can ski on the softest snow in the world, spend time on the beach and party through the night, all in a single day.