How Attitudes Toward LGBT People in South Africa Have Changed Over 10 Years

According to MambaOnline, the “Admission Reserved” report on public attitudes toward LGBT people has been published in South Africa. According to the study, about 2.39 million South Africans over the age of 16 (5.3% of the population) identify as LGBT. Of these, 2.5% identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, 1.1% as transgender or non-binary, and 2.7% as intersex.

The study was conducted by The Other Foundation in partnership with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). It tracks changes in public sentiment from 2015 to 2025 and is a follow-up to a 2016 report.

The data shows an increase in tolerance in the country. Support for same-sex marriage has grown from 37% to 45%. The proportion of respondents who consider same-sex relationships “always wrong” has decreased from 66% to 52%. Meanwhile, 60% of those surveyed agree that gay men and lesbians should have equal rights with other citizens.

Despite the general trend, the level of acceptance of LGBT people in families and traditional cultures has remained practically unchanged at about 50%. About half of the respondents also do not believe that LGBT people face violence or harassment.

The presentation of the report took place in Johannesburg. Constitutional Court Judge Jody Kollapen, speaking at the event, noted that laws alone are not enough to change beliefs formed as a result of years of socialization.