Being gay in kazakhstan

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But in doing so, they reinforce harmful stereotypes and make things worse for everyone.”

The situation is especially difficult in Kazakhstan’s southern cities, where traditional values often take precedence over personal freedoms.

“Even though Almaty is in the south, I think it’s much harder to be gay in places like Shymkent, Taraz, or Turkistan.

Trans people can change their legal gender markers on the condition that they undergo invasive medical procedures, including sterilization. Have you had a regular relationship with a regular homosexual partner over the past 12 months.

Conversion therapy in Kazakhstan

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Conversion therapy in Kazakhstan is not banned.

Equal age of consent in Kazakhstan

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Equal age of consent in Kazakhstan is equal.

Current status

LGBT Rights by Region

View the LGBT laws in each individual region of Kazakhstan.

Hidden but Brave: The LGBTQ+ Fight for Acceptance in Kazakhstan

The LGBTQ+ community in Kazakhstan remains largely invisible, but that does not mean it does not exist.

It also states "The factual cohabitation of a man and a woman, as well as persons of the same sex shall not be recognized as the marriage (matrimony)."

Article 11(1) states marriage shall not be allowed between persons of the same sex.

Censorship of LGBT issues in Kazakhstan

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Kazakhstan is state-enforced.

Current status
In July 2022, Kazakhstan banned the Disney/Pixar animated film 'Lightyear' after the country's Culture and Sports Minister responded to complaints from local conservative and religious groups regarding the film's inclusion of a same-sex kiss.

In January 2024, an LGBTQ-education website for teenagers, SelfTanu.kz, was blocked by Kazakhstan's Culture and Information Ministry, which citied safeguarding children's rights and respecting Kazakhstan's societal norms and traditions as reasons for the ban.
There used to be no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of the LGBTQ+ related topics.

Unlike neighboring Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where same-sex relationships are criminalized, Kazakhstan has no such legal prohibitions.

“At least we don’t have a law banning LGBTQ+ existence like in Uzbekistan,” Arsen notes. LGBTIQ organizations and activists face many challenges, including arbitrary arrest. Discrimination in the workplace, homophobic attacks, and the inability to legally register same-sex relationships remain daily realities.

For many, emigration seems like the only way to live openly.

They hid every hint of their orientation. But holding hands with another man on the street? While change is slow, there are signs that progress is possible.

Kazakhstan

Since the country gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1998, its criminal code has not contained any provision outlawing consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults.

Non-consensual medical interventions on intersex children remain legal.

There is widespread and institutionalized prejudice against LGBTIQ people in the country.

being gay in kazakhstan

Since transgenderism is not classified as a mental illness in this country, trans people have legal rights to serve in the military, just like any other citizen.

Blood donations by MSMs in Kazakhstan

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Blood donations by MSMs in Kazakhstan is banned (1-year deferral).

Current status
Banned (1-year deferral)federal law
"The rules for the donor to donate blood and its components of a mandatory medical examination within the framework of a guaranteed amount of free medical care" approved by order of the Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan No.

RK HМ-102/2020, was amended in 2022 and includes in its "List of questions to identify additional information that limits or prevents admission to donation", the following:

11. Many don’t even consider dating or using LGBTQ+ apps because it’s simply too dangerous.”

A particularly painful issue within Kazakhstan’s LGBTQ+ community is internalized homophobia – self-directed negativity toward one’s own identity or others in the community.

“I’ve always been surprised by how some gay people openly dislike other gay people.

In major cities, particularly Almaty, the situation is relatively tolerant, but in the regions, LGBTQ+ people still face significant discrimination and fear.

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Arsen, a resident of Almaty (who requested anonymity due to safety concerns), about the realities of being gay in Kazakhstan, the challenges he faces, and why, despite the difficulties, he chooses to stay there.

Arsen lives and works in Almaty, widely regarded as Kazakhstan’s most open-minded city.

They face threats of harassment, discrimination, and violence, coupled with state authorities’ failure to provide care and protection. “That’s something.”

However, legal protections are virtually non-existent. He believes younger generations are becoming more accepting, largely thanks to the internet, which provides exposure to alternative viewpoints.

“I notice more open-minded people among my generation.

Even those who don’t support LGBTQ+ rights tend to be indifferent rather than aggressive,” he says.

However, outside of Almaty and Astana, the situation is far more difficult. Here, he can attend LGBTQ+ gatherings and has a supportive circle of friends. Some groups, such as Feminita, a national queer feminist initiative, have been denied legal status multiple times on spurious grounds.

*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.

 

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I’m always surprised that, despite life being so difficult here, some people still believe being gay is a choice.”

Despite these challenges, Arsen sees progress.

In 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024, the parliament advanced bills that would have prohibited “gay propaganda,” but they have been struck down or amended each time. No, that’s still dangerous.