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

The Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of two to five years and a fine of 2 to 10 million ariary (US$900 to US$4,500) for acts that are "indecent or against nature with an individual of the same sex under the age of 21".

2005-040 on the Fight against HIV/AIDS and the Protection of the Rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, states in article 17 that "In order to combat discrimination and stigmatization related to HIV/AIDS and to promote behavioral change, information, education and communication programs, adapted according to the age, gender, nature of activity and, where applicable, the sexual orientation of the target group, are developed and disseminated throughout the national territory by authorized structures."

[8] The U.S. Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Report found that "[t]here was general societal discrimination against the LGBT community" and that "[s]exual orientation and gender identity were not widely discussed in the country, with public attitudes ranging from tacit acceptance to violent rejection, particularly of transgender sex workers".

[9] Nevertheless, the sociologist and former president of the National Council of Women of Madagascar, Noro Ravaozanany noted that "Malagasy society is not ready to move on the rights of homosexuals.

A campaign to support the couple was organised on social networks, while Noro Ravaozanany declared that it was "scandalous that the mother did not defend her daughter against this incest.

[11] On social media, the couple's supporters were victims of insults and death threats; religious leaders, accused them of "promoting homosexuality" and also offered the young woman conversion therapy.