Sudan

In Sudan, same-sex intimacy is criminalized under Article 148 of the Penal Code, which prohibits "sodomy" and "indecency." In 2020, Sudan made a significant legal shift by repealing the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts and abolishing some of the more extreme provisions of Shariah, such as flogging. However, the decriminalization of homosexuality has not been fully achieved, and the law still mandates prison sentences for those convicted of sodomy or indecency.

Stigma against LGBTIQ people in Sudan remains deeply entrenched. LGBTIQ individuals face significant discrimination, violence, and harassment, often perpetrated by both authorities and community members. Many LGBTIQ Sudanese individuals live in fear of being "outed," which could lead to violence, imprisonment, or expulsion from their communities.

LGBTIQ organizations in Sudan are unable to register due to the restrictive legal environment. There have been no publicly recognized LGBTIQ groups within the country, and those advocating for LGBTIQ people’s human rights risk arrest and harassment. Although LGBTIQ activists are forced to work in secrecy, there has been a growing movement within Sudan and the broader region to challenge these laws. This movement includes lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women who are collaborating with feminist movements to challenge patriarchal and heteronormative ideologies. Many activists and LGBTIQ individuals continue to call for the repeal of discriminatory laws and for greater protection of their rights, despite the risks involved.

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