Gay Seychelles

There's very little information on the Internet about LGBT life in the Seychelles.
Here is a brief correspondence between two French women and GlobalGayz

Dear GlobalGayz,

We are French couple and living in France at the present time. My friend will have to go to Seychelles for her work during 3 years. I think homosexuality is illegal in this country and one can be sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment. Is it true ?

I have difficulty to find informations about lesbian and gay life in Seychelles, except for tourist's things. Do you have some informations about the ambiance of living for homosexuals and specially for lesbians people in Seychelles, or do you have a contact in this place ?

Many thanks in advance,
Best regards,
L

Dear L,
Yes, homosexuality is illegal in Seychelles and the penalty is a fine and/or 2 years in jail--but this is usually not enforced unless there is a public nuisance or coercion.

I found this comment on the Internet: " Seychelles being a small country, does not make it easy to be gay. Most people hide the fact that they are and only confide in close friends. But that does not stop them from practicing their sexual preferences. Moreover, people are becoming more tolerant of gay people."
http://www.swyaa.org/Handbook/Seychelles.htm

I doubt you will have any trouble there. People prefer to mind their own business. When you visit her there no one will pay any attention--especially two women.

Sincerely,
Richard Ammon
GlobalGayz.com

Here are some more comments:
"No gay life to speak of on any of the islands--the people are, while indifferent at first, really wonderful folks--there's a true innocence about them--stayed in several places and didn't have any problems "bunking" with my partner--didn't see any places I felt uncomfortable--nightlife is sparse and generally filled with Italians, Brits and Germans, with several other Europeans and a few visitors from Mauritius."
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=371269

"Seychellois society is essentially matriarchal. Mothers tend to be dominant in the household, controlling most current expenditures and looking after the interests of the children. Unwed mothers are the societal norm, and the law requires fathers to support their children. Men are important for their earning ability, but their domestic role is relatively peripheral. Older women can usually count on financial support from family members living at home or contributions from the earnings of grown children."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seychelles

"Despite the discriminatory laws many gays and lesbians still travel to Africa and have a great time. Laws commonly do not reflect the attitudes of local people. If you are afraid of being discriminated against then just be discreet. "
http://goafrica.about.com/od/adventuretravel/a/gaytravel.htm

"There is no need to watch your step, we have people here who are gay and we have lesbians ( in kreole 'bibin'). Katiolo is a night club for all, but its one of the popular clubs that doesn't care who walks in really. Thats why a lot of gays and lesbians go there. They are welcome everywhere though. Some people in Seychelles only make a fuss about gays and lesbians because they are old fashioned or just jealous. Also we don't like straight people kissing and rubbing up in public so we also don't like it with gay and lesbians. Well, kissing on the cheek is different. Public affections are cool with as long as it doesn't seem like it belongs in a bedroom. So a majority of us islanders don't care what your sexual preference may be. Katiolo is the club to go to. I know it's friendly to all because my cousins own it and my brother is gay."
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071129155846AATccwv