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Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and can be punished with a heavy fine or imprisonment for up to three years. However, although no one will dare say it out loud, male homosexuality is actually relatively common. No, the men you see holding hands are not a gay couple (platonic same-sex affection is freely shown), but there was a time when the city of Tangier had quite a gay scene. Today, an increase in male prostitution has led to a rise in harassment by authorities who follow local men and beat information about what happened in the hotel room out of them. It is important that you be discreet if you meet local men anywhere in the country. Lesbians shouldn't encounter any problems, as the only annoyance would be having to explain to the macho Moroccan men that you're into the ladies -- everyone seems to think there's no such thing as a lesbian here.
So where to go to get your gaydar working in Marrakech? You go where the straight crowds go. Look for the trendiest places in town or head straight to the following:
Comptoir Darna
Local and foreign hipsters love this place, and that's where you'll find the biggest gay and straight blend in the city. Move to the North African dance beats, sip on the signature cocktails, and you'll probably end up making conversation with a perfect stranger.
LE DIAMANT NOIR - Pl. de la Liberté, Guéliz
This Marrakech classic is where everyone ends up on most evenings. As a result, you'll encounter a varied crowd consisting of students and wanna-be models, and perhaps a gay glance here and there.
Pacha Marrakech
Pacha is known in the international clubbing world as the place for all-night dancing. In between the huge crowds in its Marrakech home you'll likely find some same-sex rubbing on the dance-floor.
GAY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Riad Dyor
Dar Ayniwen
La Maison Des Oliviers
Riad L' Orchidee
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