Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Papua New Guinea face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.

[1] A lot of the attitudes towards LGBT people are also influenced by Australia's early occupation of Papua New Guinea.

[2] In the 21st century, LGBT people tend to be more tolerated and accepted in coastal areas than in the New Guinea Highlands.

[3] The words "lesbian", "gay", "bisexual" and "transgender" tend to carry heavy stigma in Papua New Guinea.

[10] Prime Minister Peter O'Neill explained that there were "strong feelings" against homosexuality in the country, which was "yet to accept such sexual openness".

In 2015, a man was charged and pled guilty to "indecent acts" between males and received a suspended sentence and being ordered to undergo community service and mandatory counseling.

[6] In 2017 the US Department of State Human Rights Report on Papua New Guinea revealed several incidents that highlight the discrimination faced by homosexuals in the country.

In Port Moresby, a hotspot for discriminatory actions, there are reports of gay men being sexually abused by police, raped, and beaten.

[3][14][15] In 2021, Port Moresby held the country's first ever LGBT pride parade, bringing in hundreds of people in the community and their supporters together to celebrate.

This was a groundbreaking moment for the queer community in Papua New Guinea, as it set the framework for more change to come in the near future.