Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in South Sudan face legal and societal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.

In 2008, the autonomous Government of Southern Sudan adopted its own penal code, which prohibits "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and prescribes a sentence of ten years' imprisonment.

[5] In comparison, the State Department's report for 2011, the first year of South Sudan's independent existence, found "widespread" societal discrimination against gay men and lesbians.

As same-sex sexual activity remains illegal, civic organisations that support gender diversity or LGBTQ rights may not be permitted to operate in South Sudan.

[9] In July 2010, Salva Kiir Mayardit, now President of South Sudan, told Radio Netherlands Worldwide that homosexuality is not in the "character" of Southern Sudanese people.