LGBT rights in Kazakhstan

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Kazakhstan may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in Kazakhstan, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples.

In 2009, Kazakhstan co-sponsored the opposing statement to the United Nations Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in Kazakhstan since 1998. The age of consent is 18.

Prior to 1997, Article 104 Penal Code of Kazakhstan used to criminalize "buggery". This legislation followed the corresponding Section 121 from the former Soviet Union, which only specifically criminalized anal intercourse between men.

Recognition of same-sex relationships
Country does not recognize same-sex unions in any form.

Living conditions
LGBT people in Kazakhstan face discrimination and prejudice on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity during the course of their everyday lives. Manifestation of negative attitudes toward LGBT people, such as social exclusion, taunting, and violence often cause the victims physical, psychological and emotional harm. In order to avoid the dangers posed by people who do not approve of alternative lifestyles, many LGBT people feel compelled to keep their sexual orientation or gender identity a secret from almost all people in their lives. The majority regard it as necessary to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity from people in the workplace in order to retain their jobs and avoid hostility from bosses and co-workers. Attempts to report homophobic and transphobic violence to police are often met with resistance and even hostility on the part of law enforcement officers.

A 2011 cross-national study by University of Chicago has demonstrated that a trend of LGBT acceptance is either slowed or reversed in Russia or other former USSR republics, a direct opposite of world trends.