Homosexuality is considered relatively common, though rarely acknowledged, amongst Moroccan men. Even though illegal and punishable with imprisonment, the lack of everyday integration between the sexes has lent itself to a general and subtle tolerance toward male effeminate behavior. Platonic affection between Moroccan males -- such as holding hands, which is a sign of friendship and respect -- is freely shown, and some of the Berber tribes (the Atlas Chleuh, for example) are known as particularly tolerant toward homosexual behavior. Lesbianism is relatively uncommon and definitely not acknowledged, as it portrays a weakness on both the woman -- she's expected to get married and bear children -- and her family.
For both gays and lesbians, discretion is advised. Avoid public displays of affection, as this is something that is even frowned upon when shown by a heterosexual couple. Tangier -- the world's first gay resort -- is still considered somewhat gay friendly. Marrakech certainly has a mini gay scene, thanks largely to the number of gay French couples now residing there.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) (tel. 800/448-8550 or 954/776-2626; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators. Gay 1st Travel (tel. 407/850-9770; www.gay1sttravel.com) is a U.S.-based tour operator catering to both business and leisure clients interested in traveling to destinations that cater to the gay lifestyle. They offer an 11-day "Discover Morocco" tour, traveling from Casablanca to Marrakech via the Imperial cities, central Morocco, and Essaouira.
Beyond the Mask (www.mask.org.za) has gay-based information and news articles on each African country, including Morocco. Gay Morocco (http://gaymorocco.tripod.com) offers chat rooms for homosexuals traveling to or living in Morocco.
Gay.com Travel (tel. 800/929-2268 or 415/644-8044; www.gay.com/travel or www.outandabout.com) is an excellent online successor to the popular Out & About print magazine. It provides regularly updated information about gay-owned, gay-oriented, and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping establishments in every important destination worldwide. British travelers should click on the "Travel" link at www.uk.gay.com for advice and gay-friendly trip ideas.
The Canadian website GayTraveler (www.gaytraveler.ca) offers ideas and advice for gay travel all over the world.
The following travel guides are available at many bookstores, or you can order them from any online bookseller: Spartacus International Gay Guide (Bruno Gmünder Verlag; www.spartacusworld.com/gayguide); Odysseus: The International Gay Travel Planner (www.odyusa.com); and the Damron guides (www.damron.com), with separate annual books for gay men and lesbians.
