Following the declaration of homosexuality as illegal in Nigeria, Uganda and other African countries, the perpetrators of the act are now seeking refuge in countries where their laws are less stringent. One of these nations is Cote d'Ivoire. No kissing, no petting. As gay bars go, this one is pretty well-behaved. But the crowd packing the Abidjan venue is relaxed and happy to be part of this haven of tolerance on a hostile continent. "In a gay club, we are much freer than in straight places," 22-year-old student Jacques tells AFP, looking on as three men sway their hips to Ivorian music on the dance floor. "We get no strange looks. Here we can unwind, feel at ease and let ourselves go." One man gently strokes his companion's neck but displays of affection stop there. The strict social codes prevailing in Ivory Coast apply here too. The patrons include several transvestites, one a 20-year-old teacher who goes by the name Malika, and who has been living as a w...
